secret 1 of 2

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

secret

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adjective

1
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

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
The secret to finding cheap designer clothes that aren’t secondhand is signing up for a Rue La La membership. Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 30 June 2026 Living with this secret, having this wall up between ourselves and the audience and feeling like there’s something to be afraid of, has just felt like this barrier the whole time. Ellise Shafer, Variety, 29 June 2026
Adjective
Is copper peptide the secret ingredient for glowing summer skin? Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 23 June 2026 Kevin Ryan will recur as Liam Donnelly, a corporate vice president with a secret agenda who goes up against Rudy and Deck. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for secret
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secret
Noun
  • While bouncing between the G League and the NBA, James worked with coaches on developing his shooting confidence, quick decision-making and defensive ability.
    Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • The emotional Moon squaring disciplined Saturn this morning tests timing and boundaries, yet Leo’s warmth helps restore confidence as the day unfolds.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • The delightful and deceptively deep family mystery comedy stars Hugh Jackman as an English shepherd (Hugh Jackman) who is found dead.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 26 June 2026
  • Exactly what to expect from Toney, who most received the title of EA Sports College Football 27 cover athlete, remains a bit of mystery.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • The Airbnb logo appears on a mobile phone screen next to a key in Athens, Greece, on February 24, 2026.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Not to lose your messages and media, set up your Signal Backup (Settings -> Backups -> Enable backups -> View recovery key -> Copy to clipboard -> Next -> Enter the recovery key -> Next -> Continue -> Choose your backup plan).
    Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Some may be announced publicly; others may happen in more clandestine ways.
    Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 10 June 2026
  • But clandestine flows aren’t the biggest factor behind the market calm.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • According to his plea agreement with prosecutors, Doyle sold a Glock pistol to an undercover informant on May 20, 2025 — part of a series of transactions on Chicago’s South Side that led to his arrest on July 7, 2025, a few days after the shooting at his daughter’s party.
    Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026
  • Whether openly or undercover, MSV doesn’t just fail shareholders.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • This Shady Canyon Golf Club is one of Orange County‘s most exclusive enclaves with captivating rock formations and lush fairways spread across 300 acres in a secluded canyon setting.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 29 June 2026
  • These campsites, often in secluded national parks or deserts, offer unobstructed views and sometimes educational programs.
    Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • All calls are toll-free and confidential.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 27 June 2026
  • All calls will be kept confidential.
    Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • The last time someone took home the big prize was almost two months ago on May 2, when two tickets split a $20 million jackpot.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 25 June 2026
  • Sponsors American Airlines and Mastercard have teamed up to give AAdvantage Mastercard members exclusive access to the first pre-sale for tickets.
    Rachel DeSantis, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Secret.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secret. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

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