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

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 divulge The cover stars, whose issue is on stands now, divulged their creative passions (stand-up comedy for the cookbook author and acting for the high school sophomore) and how the mother-daughter-duo are helping each other succeed. Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025 Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the intention was for more resources to be sent to Chicago but did not divulge details. Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 2 Sep. 2025 He’s used to getting sources to divulge secrets but displays considerable reluctance to share much about himself or his methods. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2025 Passkeys can’t be divulged in phone calls or text messages sent by attackers masquerading as trusted IT personnel. Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for divulge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divulge
Verb
  • Hospitals must disclose how and when AI is used, and physicians must remain accountable for its insights.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Law enforcement had yet to identify the shooter or disclose a motive and acknowledged at a news conference Thursday that the suspect’s college-age appearance may have helped the person blend in on the college campus where Kirk was shot.
    Jesse Bedayn, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • An initial jolt of spicy pink pepper dissipates to reveal a rose dripping in honeyed, ambery sweetness, while its leathery base adds strength, dimension, and something a little bit naughty to this fruity-floral triumph of a scent.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Standard blood tests then revealed his liver function to be out of sorts.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Scientists studying this natural process discovered that the oyster adhesive creates a strong chemical interaction with surfaces and hardens quickly.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Avoiding new technology because it is assumed to be frustrating can keep employees from discovering tools that would make their work easier.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In recent months, tariffs modestly contributed to the uptick in overall inflation, analysts previously told ABC News, but overall price increases owed largely to a rise in housing and food products with little connection to Trump’s levies.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Kaivan Shroff, a 2024 delegate for Harris, said the former vice president has the right to tell the story of her campaign, as does Biden, who has conducted a few interviews and speeches since leaving office.
    Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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