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

State and local officials blame the secrecy on Western Digital spinoff, and its spinoff, Sandisk, whose plans to build a $63 billion semiconductor became public when the deal fell apart in July. —CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026

The Republicans requested precinct-level voting to ensure ballot secrecy, Evans has said. —Claire Osborn, Austin American Statesman, 24 Mar. 2026

Whether their memory is openly discussed or shrouded in secrecy, their absence is palpable. —Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026

Dimond singled out the secrecy of guardianship and conservatorship systems as central to their susceptibility to fraud and abuse. —Jc Hallman, Oklahoma Watch, 22 Mar. 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