secrete

as in to conceal
to put into a hiding place the police found the weapon secreted under the driver's seat of the getaway car

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word secrete distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of secrete are bury, conceal, hide, and screen. While all these words mean "to withhold or withdraw from sight," secrete suggests a depositing in a place unknown to others.

secreted the amulet inside his shirt

Where would bury be a reasonable alternative to secrete?

The words bury and secrete can be used in similar contexts, but bury implies covering up so as to hide completely.

buried the treasure

In what contexts can conceal take the place of secrete?

In some situations, the words conceal and secrete are roughly equivalent. However, conceal usually does imply intent and often specifically implies a refusal to divulge.

concealed the weapon

When might hide be a better fit than secrete?

While in some cases nearly identical to secrete, hide may or may not suggest intent.

hide in the closet
a house hidden in the woods

When could screen be used to replace secrete?

While the synonyms screen and secrete are close in meaning, screen implies an interposing of something that prevents discovery.

a house screened by trees

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 secrete These cells secrete hormones to regulate blood sugar levels. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Oct. 2024 These hormones are secreted by the intestines after a person eats to regulate blood sugar levels. Bruce Gil, Quartz, 9 Oct. 2024 When a starfish is under stress from a predatory attack, this hormone is secreted, stimulating a muscle at the base of the animal’s arm that allows the arm to break off. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 14 Sep. 2024 The kidneys can stave off dehydration by secreting less liquid, which keeps symptoms minor for most people. Saima S. Iqbal, Scientific American, 1 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for secrete 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secrete
Verb
  • The document, filed by Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, has been redacted to conceal plot and character details about The Pitt, which is yet to be released.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Some are concealing their autism and dealing with the resulting feelings of isolation, while others thrive in the communities and support structures around them.
    Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The Super Bowl contender hiding in plain sight Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper signed a 13-year, $330 million contract in early 2019 in what was a record deal at the time.
    David K. Li, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • But Bill Belichick has nothing in particular to offer when journalists ask about coaches hiding the effects of the disease.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Some family members choose to bury their heads in the sand and blame the victim rather than the offender.
    Harriette Cole, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
  • Daniel Hunter, founder of Choose Democracy, an organization that provides resources to help Americans prepare for an undemocratic power grab, says his experience in activism has taught him that the solution isn’t to bury your head in the sand or jump to the worst-case scenario.
    Allie Volpe, Vox, 11 Nov. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Secrete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secrete. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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