Synonym Chooser

How does the verb divulge differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of divulge are betray, disclose, reveal, and tell. While all these words mean "to make known what has been or should be concealed," divulge implies a disclosure involving some impropriety or breach of confidence.

refused to divulge an anonymous source

When might betray be a better fit than divulge?

While in some cases nearly identical to divulge, betray implies a divulging that represents a breach of faith or an involuntary or unconscious disclosure.

a blush that betrayed her embarrassment

Where would disclose be a reasonable alternative to divulge?

Although the words disclose and divulge have much in common, disclose may imply a discovering but more often an imparting of information previously kept secret.

candidates must disclose their financial assets

When is reveal a more appropriate choice than divulge?

In some situations, the words reveal and divulge are roughly equivalent. However, reveal may apply to supernatural or inspired revelation of truths beyond the range of ordinary human vision or reason.

divine will as revealed in sacred writings

In what contexts can tell take the place of divulge?

The synonyms tell and divulge are sometimes interchangeable, but tell implies an imparting of necessary or useful information.

told them what he had overheard

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 divulge The director wouldn’t divulge any other details about the sequels. Hunter Harris, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2023 Goltz would not divulge during the board meeting which business names hope to sign at Willows Crossing. Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 9 Dec. 2022 In a running joke, the staff of El Faro admonished one another not to divulge sensitive details in newsroom meetings, lest Peter Dumas, the head of the country’s intelligence agency, overhear them. Ronan Farrow, The New Yorker, 30 Nov. 2022 New York City employers are starting to divulge more details about salaries ahead of a law taking effect this week that will require nearly all new job postings to include a pay range, a move expected to reshape workplaces and how companies hire. WSJ, 31 Oct. 2022 See all Example Sentences for divulge 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divulge
Verb
  • The identity of the Emmy award's owner was not disclosed.
    Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
  • No further details of her diagnosis have been publicly disclosed.
    Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The report also revealed that the percentage of people with income below the poverty threshold was highest among unmarried households with children.
    Therese Boudreaux | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 12 Jan. 2025
  • Comments With Peaky Blinders hanging up its topcoat in 2022 — and Netflix yet to reveal the release date of the follow-up film — what's a fan of the British period crime drama to do?
    Matt Cabral, EW.com, 12 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The fraudulent charges were discovered by a businessman, who reported the credit card had been originally issued to his father, who was deceased, the sheriff’s office said.
    Mark Price, Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2025
  • After Short's body was discovered, the Los Angeles Police Department launched an investigation, which ran until 1950, when it was shut down, according to 48 Hours.
    Alex Gurley, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Trump attempted one last time to get a judge to block the report but was unsuccessful, NPR's Carrie Johnson tells Up First.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Plus, Blue Origin is selling launches at a price per satellite that’s significantly better than SpaceX, a former employee told Forbes.
    Danielle Chemtob, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025

Podcast

Thesaurus Entries Near divulge

Cite this Entry

“Divulge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divulge. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on divulge

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!