Definition of secretenext
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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for secrete
Verb
  • Amazon, Google, Meta and Elon Musk’s xAI all have demanded nondisclosure agreements with local governments, concealing their identity and intent until deals are almost done.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Shih said the suspects wore masks, gloves and hooded clothing to conceal their identities, but detectives were able to identify them as a 19-year-old Tracy man, an 18-year-old San Jose man and a 17-year-old San Jose boy.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Though males are wingless and females can fly short distances, that reproductive efficiency — combined with its tiny size and penchant for hiding in wood — has supercharged a rapid spread across South Africa.
    Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Bosch reminded the public to lock their vehicles and hide valuables, noting that thieves often scan for unlocked cars by looking for extended side mirrors.
    Peter D'Oench, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • But buried inside imperfect delivery is often an important standard.
    Mark Nevins, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • But that’s a small, technical point buried in the fine print.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Secrete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secrete. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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