Synonym Chooser

How does the verb divulge differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of divulge are betray, disclose, reveal, and tell. While all these words mean "to make known what has been or should be concealed," divulge implies a disclosure involving some impropriety or breach of confidence.

refused to divulge an anonymous source

When might betray be a better fit than divulge?

While in some cases nearly identical to divulge, betray implies a divulging that represents a breach of faith or an involuntary or unconscious disclosure.

a blush that betrayed her embarrassment

Where would disclose be a reasonable alternative to divulge?

Although the words disclose and divulge have much in common, disclose may imply a discovering but more often an imparting of information previously kept secret.

candidates must disclose their financial assets

When is reveal a more appropriate choice than divulge?

In some situations, the words reveal and divulge are roughly equivalent. However, reveal may apply to supernatural or inspired revelation of truths beyond the range of ordinary human vision or reason.

divine will as revealed in sacred writings

In what contexts can tell take the place of divulge?

The synonyms tell and divulge are sometimes interchangeable, but tell implies an imparting of necessary or useful information.

told them what he had overheard

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 divulge The director wouldn’t divulge any other details about the sequels. Hunter Harris, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2023 Goltz would not divulge during the board meeting which business names hope to sign at Willows Crossing. Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 9 Dec. 2022 In a running joke, the staff of El Faro admonished one another not to divulge sensitive details in newsroom meetings, lest Peter Dumas, the head of the country’s intelligence agency, overhear them. Ronan Farrow, The New Yorker, 30 Nov. 2022 New York City employers are starting to divulge more details about salaries ahead of a law taking effect this week that will require nearly all new job postings to include a pay range, a move expected to reshape workplaces and how companies hire. WSJ, 31 Oct. 2022 See All Example Sentences for divulge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divulge
Verb
  • Sherman also disclosed that the dispute partly arose over concerns that Catherine Wu, an adviser to his father, had been interfering with the affairs of City Developments’ subsidiary Millennium & Copthorne Hotels and that presented a very serious corporate governance issue.
    Jonathan Burgos, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • List of Settlements with Claim Deadline in March Fandango Fandango agreed to pay $9 million following claims that the company failed to disclose fees for movie tickets in New York.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Musk's role in Trump administration The White House revealed on Tuesday that DOGE's acting administrator is Amy Gleason, a former official at the U.S. Digital Service.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer, the university revealed on Friday.
    Chantz Martin, Fox News, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • This fall the community discovered another problem.
    Emily Schwing, NPR, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Thankfully, men are increasingly embracing these practices and discovering their benefits.
    Essence, Essence, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Alex Pereira has heard what Magomed Ankalaev and his team have been saying ahead of their light heavyweight title clash at UFC 313 and has told his opposite number to put his money where his mouth is.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The first will take place June 7 at 7 p.m., and the second is on July 26 at 2 p.m. Column: The Ben Johnson-Ryan Poles union sparks optimism — but Chicago Bears’ heavy lifting has just begun Time will tell, writes Dan Wiederer.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Divulge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divulge. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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