secrete

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

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 secrete One area of focus is the clearance of senescent cells—cells that have ceased dividing but continue to secrete pro-inflammatory factors. William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025 The long-acting amylin analogue which works by mimicking a hormone that is co-secreted with insulin in the pancreas to increase satiety. Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025 Along with the swamp eels, scientists in the USGS Wetland and Aquatic Research Center have been most concerned about the spread of Cuban tree frogs, which secrete noxious chemicals that are harmful to humans, and alligatorweed, which clogs waterways that can impact infrastructure. Wesley Bruer, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025 Some plants secrete a sweet substance from nectaries, or nectar glands. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for secrete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secrete
Verb
  • Prosecutors also alleged Friday that between December 2024 and September 2025, Blain destroyed or concealed city communications that were public records subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act.
    Susan Gill Vardon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Shoplifting over $100 by concealing.
    Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • She was hanged; her body thrown in the river and is often spotted wearing a green turban to hide her missing ear.
    Noreen Kompanik, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Hosts Robert Mays, Zena Keita and Jason Goff look past the recaps and highlights to find the extraordinary stories hiding in ordinary weeks by talking to players, coaches, and newsmakers from all corners of sports.
    J.J. Bailey, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Alongside Moore, coach Bill Petersen had the sod buried to commemorate the win, and a tradition was born.
    Jordy Fee-Platt, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Archaeologists concluded the structure was actually a false tomb, or a cenotaph, a type of burial monument erected to honor a deceased person buried elsewhere.
    Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Secrete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secrete. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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