secret 1 of 2

noun

Definition of secretnext
1
as in confidence
information shared only with another or with a select few you didn't really expect him to keep a secret from his wife, did you?

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2
as in mystery
something hard to understand or explain the secrets of the Egyptian pyramids include the construction methods used to lift the huge blocks of stone in place

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3
as in key
something that allows someone to achieve a desired goal the secret to advancement in this company is hard work and dedication

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secret

2 of 2

adjective

ˈsē-krət How to pronounce secret (audio)
1
as in clandestine
undertaken or done so as to escape being observed or known by others a secret operation to rescue captive soldiers behind enemy lines

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2
as in undercover
working on missions in which one's objectives, activities, or true identity are not publicly revealed secret agents whose wartime exploits were known only by top government officials

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3
as in secluded
screened or sequestered from view a secret cave that is screened by trees

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4
as in confidential
not known or meant to be known by the general populace proprietary information that the company does its best to keep secret

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word secret distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of secret are clandestine, covert, furtive, stealthy, surreptitious, and underhanded. While all these words mean "done without attracting observation," secret implies concealment on any grounds for any motive.

met at a secret location

When would clandestine be a good substitute for secret?

While the synonyms clandestine and secret are close in meaning, clandestine implies secrecy usually for an evil, illicit, or unauthorized purpose and often emphasizes the fear of being discovered.

a clandestine meeting of conspirators

In what contexts can covert take the place of secret?

In some situations, the words covert and secret are roughly equivalent. However, covert stresses the fact of not being open or declared.

covert intelligence operations

When is furtive a more appropriate choice than secret?

The synonyms furtive and secret are sometimes interchangeable, but furtive implies a sly or cautious stealthiness.

lovers exchanging furtive glances

When is it sensible to use stealthy instead of secret?

The words stealthy and secret can be used in similar contexts, but stealthy suggests taking pains to avoid being seen or heard especially in some misdoing.

the stealthy step of a burglar

Where would surreptitious be a reasonable alternative to secret?

The words surreptitious and secret are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, surreptitious applies to action or behavior done secretly often with skillful avoidance of detection and in violation of custom, law, or authority.

the surreptitious stockpiling of weapons

When could underhanded be used to replace secret?

While in some cases nearly identical to secret, underhanded stresses fraud or deception.

an underhanded trick

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of secret
Noun
Friendships and couples form only to implode, and eight years’ worth of secrets, lies, and betrayals come to a head in the series finale. —Grace McCarty, Glamour, 17 Feb. 2026 Stephen takes the microphone and detonates nearly every secret in the room. —Jp Mangalindan, Time, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
While Tiago is the most obvious option to help add to the attack, Orlando has a bit of a secret weapon in 2026 SuperDraft pick Harvey Sarajian. —Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Feb. 2026 As the New York Times reports, none of them is from Cameroon but they have been offloaded there in secret. —Phil Elliott, Time, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for secret
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secret
  1. confidence
  2. mystery
  3. key
  4. clandestine
  5. undercover
  6. secluded
  7. confidential
  8. ticket
Noun
  • The coalition led by Abubakar and Obi may yet figure out a maneuver and policy outlook that commands Nigerians’ attention and confidence.
    — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Students who experience high-quality civic education are more likely to complete college and develop employable skills, vote, discuss current issues, speak in public with confidence, contact public officials and volunteer in their communities to address issues of common concern.
    — Erin Carlson Mast, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
Definition of confidence
Noun
  • While scientists have long observed this liquid-to-solid transformation, the exact molecular link that converts these fluid droplets into a high-performance final structure has remained a mystery until now.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Ward said her mother was fascinated with the mystery of Amelia Earhart, and that fascination turned into countless trips to air shows and museums.
    — Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of mystery
Noun
  • Police have identified a suspect in the heist, though no arrests have been made and investigators are working to nail down exactly how the thief might have been able to access her vehicle keys, authorities said.
    — Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Listening and constantly changing according to need is a key, Vasquez Greenberg says.
    — Annemarie Dooling, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Feb. 2026
Definition of key
Adjective
  • Treasury also sanctioned associates, companies and vessels allegedly involved in a network used by Maduro’s former oil minister, Tareck El Aissami, to evade sanctions and resell Venezuelan crude through clandestine channels.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Earlier this month, state officials reported dismantling a clandestine drug laboratory located south of Ensenada, marking the ninth such laboratory shut down by authorities in the span of a year.
    — Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
Definition of clandestine
Adjective
  • Based on a 2019 Cosmopolitan article, the limited series follows an undercover investigator, played by Chastain, who infiltrates domestic extremist groups to thwart catastrophic large-scale attacks.
    — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 15 Feb. 2026
  • The measure would allow some exemptions, including for officers involved in undercover operations and SWAT duties or who are wearing religious garb.
    — Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of undercover
Adjective
  • The secluded area in Arizona where Guthrie lives and appears to have been kidnapped in the early morning hours of February 1 continues to present obstacles, as does the intense media scrutiny.
    — Elizabeth Hartfield, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026
  • From Llombards, the path heads southwest along the cliffs, passing some of the island’s prettiest and most secluded calas, including Figuereta and Cala Marmols.
    — Paul Richardson, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Feb. 2026
Definition of secluded
Adjective
  • During the sentencing hearing that began last week, prosecutors revealed the previously confidential contents of a handwritten note with Thompson's name and the shooting date found at his family's house in the Hedingham subdivision.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
  • All calls will be kept confidential.
    — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of confidential
Noun
  • Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
    — USA Today staff, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Reservations for free students tickets are still required.
    — Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
Definition of ticket

Phrases Containing secret

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secrecy
secret
secret agent
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Cite this Entry

“Secret.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secret. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on secret

Nglish: Translation of secret for Spanish Speakers

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