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 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 details of the agreement were not immediately disclosed, as both the union and the City Council indicated the contract must be formally ratified by both parties.
    Julia Fomby, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • In a letter to Superintendent Larry Snelling written just days after the shooting, COPA Chief Administrator Andrea Kersten disclosed that the agency launched another investigation into the same group of officers less than a month before the Reed shooting.
    Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In the series, it’s revealed that Gabby called an ex-boyfriend in the days leading up to her disappearance and on the day detectives think she was murdered.
    Addie Morfoot, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Her reporting revealed that he had previously been forced out of leadership positions in advocacy groups over allegations of financial mismanagement, sexist behavior and intoxication.
    Katie Robertson, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • According to a press conference Friday morning and a news release, detectives discovered that one of Manzano's credit cards was missing from his wallet, and found that Colbert used the card at several stores around the New Orleans area.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 8 Feb. 2025
  • Chicago police officers responded to a call of a person shot overnight at an apartment in the Woodlawn neighborhood and discovered a woman injured and a 38-year-old man fatally wounded.
    Deanese Williams-Harris, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Bill co-sponsors Rep. Wendy Horman, R-Idaho Falls, and Senate Majority Leader Lori Den Hartog, R-Meridian, told the committee that eligible families would receive up to $5,000 per child through a refundable tax credit for educational expenses, or $7,500 per child with disabilities.
    Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 7 Feb. 2025
  • This year’s discussion will concentrate on bringing out the stories of our community told by our neighbors, friends and families.
    Sam Ouk, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025

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Thesaurus Entries Near divulge

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on divulge

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