secrete

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
  • Escalante Sandoval then approached the parked van, removed a key concealed in the gas cap and backed it up, allowing a group of people to move three deep freezers from the van into the bed of the truck and load them with packages.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026
  • Bottega Conticelli objets d’arts from leather and wood include vintage-style steamer trunks that conceal in-suite televisions and fragrant stationery items.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • If not too bad, it can be ignored and new growth should hide the blemishes.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2026
  • Buddy was hiding in the bushes on the side of a desolate highway when he was found by a good Samaritan and brought to a rescue.
    Maryanne Dell, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • The widow has had to tolerate enough of this woman and her husband’s affair and should be allowed to bury him in peace.
    Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 30 May 2026
  • Kai Havertz had buried the first shot of the game into PSG’s net, giving Arsenal a 1-0 lead in the sixth minute of the game.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 30 May 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 4 Jun. 2026.

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