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

• closeness
• 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

Her stories on Kansas secrecy and religion have been nationally recognized. —Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025

Can true intimacy exist without full disclosure, or is some level of secrecy necessary for survival? —Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025

The judge argued that the heightened level of secrecy will make the discovery process more efficient. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 13 Mar. 2025

Politicians want to score points with voters, and Russia does threaten security, but protecting our nation involves secrecy. —Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025

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