top secret

adjective

Definition of top secretnext
as in confidential
kept completely hidden from the public by high government officials top secret documents The mission is top secret.

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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 top secret Most of the information in question was classified as top secret, according to the indictment. — Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 26 June 2026 Hugo is the one pulling the strings behind the scenes to arrange for Daniel’s theft of the top secret materials. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 13 June 2026 The indictment claims that the entries included sensitive information up to the top secret and sensitive compartmented information level, a designation that means it was derived from sensitive intelligence sources. — Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 4 June 2026 Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks kept Mickey Mouse top secret after a studio fallout had recently left Disney without the rights to his earlier creations. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for top secret
Recent Examples of Synonyms for top secret
  1. confidential
  2. restricted
  3. personal
  4. classified
  5. private
  6. esoteric
Adjective
  • People who hold more senior positions in the system, or who have access to confidential information, generally have tighter restrictions placed upon them, according to several sources familiar with the matter and open government announcements.
    — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • SpaceX has requested to keep the photos of the device, along with the user manual, confidential over the next 180 days.
    — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of confidential
Adjective
  • Shareholders of the electric vehicle maker last November approved a restricted stock plan that the company valued at $158 billion.
    — Ross Kerber, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2026
  • As predicted, the seasonally restricted Dining Out NYC has been but a shadow of its year-round predecessor.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of restricted
Adjective
  • Both are a complete overhaul of their long-haul cabins, featuring seat heating, seat cooling and personal climate controls.
    — Edward Russell, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The Fireplace Shangri-la room is your own personal retreat, complete with an oversized soaking tub (big enough for even a tall girl like myself to enjoy) and separate shower.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of personal
Adjective
  • Alexander was not convinced his father would have given up classified information.
    — Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • In April 2026, Google signed a deal with the Pentagon allowing the Department of Defense to use Gemini models on classified networks for any lawful government purpose.
    — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of classified
Adjective
  • Lenti Ponsetto, after 18 years leading DePaul athletics—and 42 years overall at the private Big East school—announced her retirement in June 2020, just six weeks after Conviser filed her initial suit in Cook County court.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The movie, which premieres this weekend on YouTube, is a DIY schlock- umentary that’s also a real documentary, one that captures how Six’s life became his own private horror film, after he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of private
Adjective
  • The emphasis on narrative isn’t an esoteric brand aspiration, but a measurable marketing move.
    — Rekha Thomas, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Of course, Yamagata is a long way to go just to peep some jellyfish, so combine a visit with the misty temples of nearby Dewa Sanzan, three mountains sacred to the ascetics of the esoteric Shugendo religion.
    — Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of esoteric

Browse Nearby Words

tops
top secret
top-shelf
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Cite this Entry

“Top secret.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/top%20secret. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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