secrecy

noun

se·​cre·​cy ˈsē-krə-sē How to pronounce secrecy (audio)
plural secrecies
Synonyms of secrecynext
1
: the condition of being hidden or concealed
2
: the habit or practice of keeping secrets or maintaining privacy or concealment

Synonyms of secrecy

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Examples of secrecy in a Sentence

this administration's steadfast adherence to secrecy is beginning to cost it the trust of the voters
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Long history The practice of sealing original birth certificates in California dates back in the 1930s, and the state is not alone in its secrecy around them. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Developed in complete secrecy by Lockheed’s Skunk Works for the CIA, the A-12 OXCART first flew in the early 1960s and became one of the fastest aircraft ever built, cruising at Mach 3+ above 90,000 feet. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026 That investigation remains shrouded in secrecy and no criminal charges have been filed. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2026 The intensity of his sexuality warps his mind, while the mandate of secrecy feeds his paranoia. — Leo Lasdun, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for secrecy

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier secretie, from Middle English secretee, from secret secret

First Known Use

1556, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of secrecy was in 1556

Phrases Containing secrecy

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secours
secrecy
sec reg
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Cite this Entry

“Secrecy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secrecy. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

secrecy

noun
se·​cre·​cy ˈsē-krə-sē How to pronounce secrecy (audio)
plural secrecies
1
: the habit of keeping secrets : secretiveness
2
: the quality or state of being hidden or concealed

More from Merriam-Webster on secrecy

Nglish: Translation of secrecy for Spanish Speakers

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