Definition of secretenext
as in to conceal
to put into a hiding place the police found the weapon secreted under the driver's seat of the getaway car

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word secrete distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of secrete are bury, conceal, hide, and screen. While all these words mean "to withhold or withdraw from sight," secrete suggests a depositing in a place unknown to others.

secreted the amulet inside his shirt

Where would bury be a reasonable alternative to secrete?

The words bury and secrete can be used in similar contexts, but bury implies covering up so as to hide completely.

buried the treasure

In what contexts can conceal take the place of secrete?

In some situations, the words conceal and secrete are roughly equivalent. However, conceal usually does imply intent and often specifically implies a refusal to divulge.

concealed the weapon

When might hide be a better fit than secrete?

While in some cases nearly identical to secrete, hide may or may not suggest intent.

hide in the closet
a house hidden in the woods

When could screen be used to replace secrete?

While the synonyms screen and secrete are close in meaning, screen implies an interposing of something that prevents discovery.

a house screened by trees

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for secrete
Verb
  • Two members of the White supremacist group, whose identities are concealed through masks, sunglasses and baseball caps, are seated in front of her, while numerous others are seated behind or standing alongside her.
    BrieAnna J. Frank, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • Dugan was accused of obstructing official Department of Homeland Security removal proceedings and knowingly concealing an undocumented man from immigration authorities at a courthouse in April 2025 while serving as a Milwaukee County Circuit judge.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • The cover over the logo was cut precisely in the outline of the Levi’s logo – leaving no doubt what the tarp was hiding.
    Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
  • Wrap a wide ribbon multiple times around to hide the elastic to elevate the classic look.
    Odeya Pinkus, InStyle, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • With Jagger’s vocals often buried deep in the muddy and murky mix, the album initially sounds like a druggy demo.
    Marc Ballon, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • The body of slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has arrived via plane to the Iranian city of Mashhad, where he is set to be buried, the state broadcaster IRIB reported Thursday.
    Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Secrete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secrete. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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