secrecy

noun

se·​cre·​cy ˈsē-krə-sē 

plural secrecies

1

: the condition of being hidden or concealed

2

: the habit or practice of keeping secrets or maintaining privacy or concealment

Synonyms of secrecy

• secretiveness

Examples of secrecy in a Sentence

this administration's steadfast adherence to secrecy is beginning to cost it the trust of the voters

Recent Examples on the Web

Liu is sworn to secrecy about the latter fantasy epic, joking that a publicist will blow dart us from across the room for saying too much. —Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 29 May 2026

Stagg was not allowed to make phone calls to her because of the secrecy surrounding D-day. —Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026

All the secrecy and almost solemnity added to the anticipation of a launch that was five years in the making. —Charlotte Reed, CNBC, 29 May 2026

Electronic bugs are installed, secretaries listen in on every phone call and conversation, and rock 'n roll is banned in this cruel culture of absolute secrecy. —Jeff Spry, Space.com, 29 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier secretie, from Middle English secretee, from secret secret

First Known Use

1556, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing secrecy

• anti-secrecy
• swear (someone) to secrecy
• swear to secrecy

Kids Definition

secrecy

noun

se·​cre·​cy ˈsē-krə-sē 

plural secrecies

1

: the habit of keeping secrets : secretiveness

2

: the quality or state of being hidden or concealed