Synonym Chooser

How is the word conceal distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of conceal are bury, hide, screen, and secrete. While all these words mean "to withhold or withdraw from sight," conceal usually does imply intent and often specifically implies a refusal to divulge.

concealed the weapon

When would bury be a good substitute for conceal?

While the synonyms bury and conceal are close in meaning, bury implies covering up so as to hide completely.

buried the treasure

Where would hide be a reasonable alternative to conceal?

The synonyms hide and conceal are sometimes interchangeable, but hide may or may not suggest intent.

hide in the closet
a house hidden in the woods

When might screen be a better fit than conceal?

The words screen and conceal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, screen implies an interposing of something that prevents discovery.

a house screened by trees

When is secrete a more appropriate choice than conceal?

While in some cases nearly identical to conceal, secrete suggests a depositing in a place unknown to others.

secreted the amulet inside his shirt

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of conceal Sweep or vacuum the floor thoroughly, then use a microfiber mop and a high-quality wood floor cleaner like Bona to remove dirt and conceal surface scratches. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025 The show, known for its Emmy Award winning costumes, was quick to help conceal Coon’s pregnancy without stooping to TV gimmicks. Avalon Hester, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025 Solid rocket motors can be stored for longer periods of time and are easier to conceal, transport, and launch on demand. Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025 Shoplifting over $250 by concealing. Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conceal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conceal
Verb
  • And now there’s another reason users may click to hide — dynamic pricing.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • And best of all, the mirror distracts guests from registering that there’s a coat hanger hiding ‘round back.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The bill would prohibit federal and local law enforcement officers from wearing masks that obscure their identity during public-facing operations, with exemptions for medical and undercover purposes.
    Amelia Wu, Sacbee.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Justin shares Jack with wife Hailey Baldwin Bieber, and while the couple often shares photos of their son, his face is often obscured.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • As the late historian Barry Rubin documented in his biography of Arafat, the Palestinian leader used a variety of methods, both buying off and burying his opponents.
    Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Early in the novel, Harold points out that authors are constantly looking for ways to bury their true beliefs in their text, rather than state them outright.
    Jeremy Gordon, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Although Canon had mandated that the Cat's programmability be suppressed, the IAI team nevertheless maintained the ability to compute expressions, which Canon permitted as an extension of the editor metaphor.
    Cameron Kaiser, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
  • However, the country's typically strict online censors did not appear to be limiting discussion in the comments—a tactic often used to suppress sensitive or politically awkward narratives.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • His team accused Whatley of distorting the facts to cover for his support of federal policies that reduced funding for local police.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Don't go into a basement, or any room, if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Was Barron there, but just really good at disguising his six-foot-seven frame?
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Try bicycles for more exercise disguised as fun, then saunter over to Spa La Quinta’s 23,000 square feet of bliss.
    Jenny Peters, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Conceal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conceal. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on conceal

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