secret 1 of 2

1
as in confidence
information shared only with another or with a select few you didn't really expect him to keep a secret from his wife, did you?

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2
as in mystery
something hard to understand or explain the secrets of the Egyptian pyramids include the construction methods used to lift the huge blocks of stone in place

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3

secret

2 of 2

adjective

1
2
as in undercover
working on missions in which one's objectives, activities, or true identity are not publicly revealed secret agents whose wartime exploits were known only by top government officials

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3
as in secluded
screened or sequestered from view a secret cave that is screened by trees

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4

Synonym Chooser

How is the word secret distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of secret are clandestine, covert, furtive, stealthy, surreptitious, and underhanded. While all these words mean "done without attracting observation," secret implies concealment on any grounds for any motive.

met at a secret location

When would clandestine be a good substitute for secret?

While the synonyms clandestine and secret are close in meaning, clandestine implies secrecy usually for an evil, illicit, or unauthorized purpose and often emphasizes the fear of being discovered.

a clandestine meeting of conspirators

In what contexts can covert take the place of secret?

In some situations, the words covert and secret are roughly equivalent. However, covert stresses the fact of not being open or declared.

covert intelligence operations

When is furtive a more appropriate choice than secret?

The synonyms furtive and secret are sometimes interchangeable, but furtive implies a sly or cautious stealthiness.

lovers exchanging furtive glances

When is it sensible to use stealthy instead of secret?

The words stealthy and secret can be used in similar contexts, but stealthy suggests taking pains to avoid being seen or heard especially in some misdoing.

the stealthy step of a burglar

Where would surreptitious be a reasonable alternative to secret?

The words surreptitious and secret are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, surreptitious applies to action or behavior done secretly often with skillful avoidance of detection and in violation of custom, law, or authority.

the surreptitious stockpiling of weapons

When could underhanded be used to replace secret?

While in some cases nearly identical to secret, underhanded stresses fraud or deception.

an underhanded trick

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 secret
Noun
Yellowjackets: Synopsis, Cast Season three of Yellowjackets sees the survivors of a brutal plane crash fight to live in the wilderness during winter during the late ’90s, while their present-day counterparts are forced to confront the secrets from their past lives. Rudie Obias, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Feb. 2025 And that doesn’t even take into consideration the secrets that other members of Watson’s clinic may be keeping, at least one of which will come into play in Episode 2. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
Included in the secret section are spring clothes like cropped pants, flowy shirts, and breezy skirts. Nicol Natale, People.com, 15 Feb. 2025 Both options are breathable for workouts or other activities and have a secret hidden pocket. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for secret
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secret
Noun
  • To Boost Investment Confidence Behavioral finance research suggests that small, incremental investment steps can help build confidence over time.
    Odiri Oginni, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Season Two will find the characters having more confidence and readying themselves as a potential war becomes an increasing threat.
    Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Read: The mystery writer S.A. Cosby made a list of his favorite tales of the human monsters who wait for us in the dark.
    Emmett Lindner, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2025
  • But Conclave was so interesting and exciting in a completely different way — and fun, with a little mystery involved.
    The Hollywood Reporter, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The key is not to avoid conflict but rather to improve skills and mindset to use it as a tool for success.
    Dileep Marway, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Inside those packets were a total of three guns, 29 rounds of ammunition, 19 tools (saw blades, security bits, screwdrivers, handcuff keys, etc.).
    Keith Sharon, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Brendan Marks and Matt Baker uncovered documents that illustrate North Carolina’s clandestine research into conference realignment.
    Chris Branch, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025
  • This defiant and entertaining work playfully uses headshots and avatars to visualize clandestine audio recordings documenting years of Kafkaesque impositions, threats, and vital dissident art.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 10 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The series also highlighted how Illinois statutes provide a degree of protection to politicians. To prosecute their case, the feds brought charges against Madigan after extensive wiretapping and cooperation from two undercover moles, former 25th Ward Ald.
    Megan Crepeau, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025
  • In May 2023, an undercover police officer went into the Schenectady deli and grocery where Alaidrus was working behind the counter.
    Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Although affluent travelers have traditionally selected luxury hotels and opulent resorts as their preferred choice of accommodations, secluded villas and opulent suites with all the bells and whistles have recently become popular among ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
    Roger Sands, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
  • The story of a secluded group of siblings who harbor a dark secret, and the local librarian (Taylor-Joy) who forms a bond with them, Marrowbone also features rising stars Mia Goth, George MacKay, Charlie Heaton, and Kyle Soller.
    Matthew Jackson, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Encryption And Access Controls: Secure backups with robust encryption and strict access policies to make sure data remains confidential.
    Nick Martin, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Despite registering a slight improvement, the prognosis remains confidential.
    Anders Hagstrom, Fox News, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • How to get Paul Simon tour tickets Tickets go on sale Friday on Simon's official website paulsimon.com.
    Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Large resorts often command more than $200 for a same-day lift ticket, offering access to extensive terrain and high-speed chairlifts to maximize your run time.
    Elaine Glusac, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Secret.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secret. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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