Synonyms of secrete

secrete

verb

si-ˈkrēt 

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

• conceal
• hide
• bury
• hoard
• stash
• cache
• ensconce
• inter
• entomb
• squirrel (away)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• exhibit
• display
• reveal
• expose
• uncover
• show
• unveil
• unmask
• bare
• flaunt
• show off
• parade
• unwrap
• unearth
• disinter

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 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

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!