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 The scroll might have been secreted inside the jewelry because Christianity was not yet widely accepted. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 23 Dec. 2024 Experts believe a sophisticated supply chain infiltration occurred, during which explosive material was secreted into the pagers prior to their delivery and use. Stephen Sorace, Fox News, 18 Sep. 2024 Whiteflies also secrete honeydew, which can lead to the growth of sooty mold, which reduces photosynthesis and overall plant health, says Khan. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 5 Dec. 2024 Exactly how Israel may have secreted explosive material into so many thousands of gadgets and remotely detonated those payloads remains far from clear. Andy Greenberg, WIRED, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for secrete 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secrete
Verb
  • The Nazis wanted to conceal the crime by burning the bodies on mass pyres.
    Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2025
  • On a second trip to the same area in July, researchers found the species concealed among the leaf litter layer making no noise.
    Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Asked about his identity and to provide authorization, Deng tried to hide his equipment and flee, prompting the officials to take him and his companions into custody.
    Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
  • The entrance is like a secret garden, a shrouded staircase that is trying its best to hide from the throngs of visitors looking for this exact type of postcard-perfect view.
    Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • And, buried in the comments, was one of Daly’s favorite restaurants.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 18 Jan. 2025
  • She is buried in the Little Rock National Cemetery.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 18 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Secrete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secrete. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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