top secret

adjective

1
: protected by a high degree of secrecy
a top secret weapon
a top secret meeting
2
a
: containing or being information whose unauthorized disclosure could result in exceptionally grave danger to the nation
top secret messages
compare confidential, secret
b
: of or relating to top secret documents
a top secret clearance

Examples of top secret in a Sentence

The mission is top secret.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But John had not wanted to invite his aunt to their very private — and top secret — wedding on Cumberland Island, off the coast of Georgia, earlier that year, on Sept. 21. Liz McNeil, People.com, 14 Dec. 2024 The bill was introduced after Netanyahu's spokesperson was arrested for allegedly stealing top secret intelligence and leaking it to the foreign press. Barak Ravid, Axios, 9 Dec. 2024 The top secret agent of CONTROL is a role model for clumsy wannabe Steve Carell, though by the end, Agent 23 is the one throwing an explosive situation into total KAOS. 15. Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 27 Nov. 2024 The indictment does not delve into the details of the allegations, but says Rahman had a top secret security clearance and access to sensitive compartmented information. Eric Tucker, The Denver Post, 14 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for top secret 

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of top secret was in 1942

Dictionary Entries Near top secret

Cite this Entry

“Top secret.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/top%20secret. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

top secret

adjective
1
: protected by a high degree of secrecy
a top secret meeting
2
: containing information that is very important to the safety and defense of a nation
top secret messages

More from Merriam-Webster on top secret

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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