CONCEAL Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

conceal

verb

kən-ˈsēl

Definition of conceal next

as in to hide

to put into a hiding place wisely concealed the documents in a drawer beneath a false bottom

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to obscure

to keep secret or shut off from view the defense attorney accused the prosecutor of trying to conceal exculpatory evidence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 What’s more, these sources tend to report the views of the most powerful, concealing dissent—and certainly not paying attention to the attitudes of commoners, as revealed in secondhand incarnations like Wiggo’s tale. —

Matthew Gabriele, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Dec. 2024 The dark patterns somehow concealed these in-game purchases from gamers. —

Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 10 Dec. 2024 The gunman made sure to conceal his identity with a mask during almost all of his time in the city, yet left a trail of evidence. —

Michael Balsamo and Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024 There are multiple seating areas off the kitchen, including a hearth room with a fireplace and concealed TV and a solarium room with views of the property's pool and pond. —

Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for conceal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for conceal

Verb

But, of course, around them hiding in forests and hills and woods are the infected.

Nick Romano, EW.com, 10 Dec. 2024
This discovery highlights the unique biodiversity hidden even in the deepest parts of our ocean and how the isolation of trench environments can breed unique adaptations.

Jess Thomson, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024