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?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Karla Cote,
Variety,
23 June 2026
In other words, packing smarter, not necessarily more, is often the secret to a smoother travel day.
—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
23 June 2026
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
Noun
Their relationship quickly unravels once Emma, while at dinner with friends Rachel (Alana Haim) and Mike (Mamoudou Athie), reveals her deepest, darkest secret, which permanently and unexpectedly alters the connection between her and Charlie.
—
Karla Cote,
Variety,
23 June 2026
In other words, packing smarter, not necessarily more, is often the secret to a smoother travel day.
—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
23 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
-
What gives us confidence in this assertion?
-
Soloviev brims with the confidence of a billionaire’s son who has managed to chart his own unusual course.
Noun
-
There is also the mystery around the captivity of Otto Hightower, Alicent’s father.
-
For those who prefer fiction to nonfiction, mysteries edge out science fiction and fantasy as the most popular genre overall, and they are favored by both women and readers who read the most books per year (though men are more likely to pick up sci-fi and fantasy).
Noun
-
Add enough of the measured water to loosen the mixture and form a sauce; fluid but not runny is the key.
-
The key for Flemings to reach that upside is to improve his gathers, get stronger through his lower half and become an even better shooter.
Adjective
-
Some may be announced publicly; others may happen in more clandestine ways.
-
But clandestine flows aren’t the biggest factor behind the market calm.
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.
-
Whether openly or undercover, MSV doesn’t just fail shareholders.
Adjective
-
This secluded island located just across the sound from popular Hilton Head has been hiding in plain sight for years.
-
Out back, a secluded courtyard and soaking pool await.
Adjective
-
Tehran has not allowed the IAEA access to its nuclear facilities bombed by Israel and the United States during a 12-day war in June 2025, according to a confidential IAEA report circulated to member states and seen by AP in February.
-
Together, the groups provide policy education, confidential support, community programming and connections to campus resources.
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.
-
Sponsors American Airlines and Mastercard have teamed up to give AAdvantage Mastercard members exclusive access to the first pre-sale for tickets.
Cite this Entry
“Secret.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secret. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
