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
  • Financial details of the settlement weren’t disclosed in the court documents.
    Ethan Millman, Rolling Stone, 13 Dec. 2024
  • In some instances, vulnerabilities have been exploited by hackers minutes after they were disclosed.
    Austin Gadient, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • After undergoing a course of preventative chemotherapy, the princess returned to royal duties, helping to share the workload with King Charles, who revealed his own cancer diagnosis in February, and Queen Camilla, who has been intermittently ill.
    Sarah Young, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
  • As with the lower level, these private quarters reveal a tendency for the bold, whether an English Victorian slipper chair clad in Pierre Frey’s iconic Tigre Velours or an antelope-print Stark rug.
    David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The bodies of 11 Indian nationals and one Georgian citizen were discovered on the second floor above an Indian restaurant in Gudauri, the largest ski resort in the country, local police said in a statement issued Saturday.
    Christian Edwards, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024
  • After Chen’s body was discovered, Dawson was located at a nearby island with his wallet and passport, according to authorities.
    Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The client ended up being Joy Klein, who told Costanza to take a trip to Treasures 4 Teachers.
    Zach Bradshaw, The Arizona Republic, 15 Dec. 2024
  • Law enforcement has yet to release her name, but family members told IFD that the woman lived alone and was checked on daily.
    Jordan Smith, The Indianapolis Star, 15 Dec. 2024

Podcast

Thesaurus Entries Near divulge

Cite this Entry

“Divulge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divulge. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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!