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
  • Located in a region with a rich mining history, the mine was worked in the 1880s before being concealed when the hillside was blasted down.
    Alia Beard Rau, USA Today, 10 June 2026
  • It is further alleged that the accused were able to conceal the situation by not allowing the minor access to medical appointments and removing them from church activities, Our Quad Cities reports, citing the affidavits.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • But only the girls got a look and a kiss with him, while competing men didn't know who was hiding in the back.
    Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
  • The Last Act delves deep into Jax (Michael Kovach), revealing that the bunny has been hiding his true self the entire time.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • Keep the language concrete and avoid burying the point under explanation.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 June 2026
  • This is a racist absurdity in addition to being an impossible read of the Constitution, which is perhaps why the Roberts Court has buried it under so many layers of obfuscation.
    Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 5 June 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 13 Jun. 2026.

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