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 Prosecutors accused Trump of illegally concealing the payment with the intent to unlawfully influence that year’s election. —

Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 10 Jan. 2025 In finding the defendant guilty in this case, the jury necessarily found unanimously that the defendant falsified 34 separate entries in his business records with the intent to defraud, which included an intent to commit or conceal a conspiracy to promote his own election by unlawful means. —

Abc News, ABC News, 10 Jan. 2025 The gun frame was found in the bottom of a boot underneath a stuffed sock in an attempt to conceal it. —

Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, Fox News, 10 Jan. 2025 Gibson is making 1991’s Dexter his own, Brown said, by thriving in the complex mask-work that’s required to play a lethal psychopath learning to conceal his still-emerging condition. —

Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for conceal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for conceal

Verb

At the time, wolves were still considered predatory varmints to be shot from airplanes, trapped and snared for $100 bounty and whatever hides would bring.

Al Wolter, Outdoor Life, 10 Jan. 2025
Set in a swanky apartment hidden above a cobblestone street, this intimate cooking class teaches you both the simplicity and complexity of Italian pasta.

Anna Haines, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025