screen 1 of 2

noun

ˈskrēn How to pronounce screen (audio)
Definition of screennext
1
as in film
the art or business of making a movie he was a star of both stage and screen

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in defense
means or method of defending the target will be difficult to reach as it is behind a screen of anti-aircraft batteries

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

screen

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to protect
to drive danger or attack away from attack helicopters were called in to help screen the troops from further attacks

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to hide
to keep secret or shut off from view bushes screened the swimming pool from passersby on the street

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to filter
to pass through a filter you should screen the cooking oil to remove impurities

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to cover
to place a protective layer over screened his eyes with his hand to block the sun

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word screen distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of screen are bury, conceal, hide, and secrete. While all these words mean "to withhold or withdraw from sight," screen implies an interposing of something that prevents discovery.

a house screened by trees

When would bury be a good substitute for screen?

The synonyms bury and screen are sometimes interchangeable, but bury implies covering up so as to hide completely.

buried the treasure

When might conceal be a better fit than screen?

The words conceal and screen can be used in similar contexts, but conceal usually does imply intent and often specifically implies a refusal to divulge.

concealed the weapon

When could hide be used to replace screen?

The meanings of hide and screen largely overlap; however, hide may or may not suggest intent.

hide in the closet
a house hidden in the woods

Where would secrete be a reasonable alternative to screen?

While in some cases nearly identical to screen, secrete suggests a depositing in a place unknown to others.

secreted the amulet inside his shirt

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 screen
Noun
But Justin is very different from book to screen. —Jennifer McClellan, USA Today, 17 May 2026 Three screens arranged like a triptych at the altar display live video streams of the monumental vessels currently in Chan’s workshop in China. —Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Verb
Jorkim Jotham Pituwa via AP On Saturday, people were being screened at the entrance of the Kibuli Muslim Hospital. —CBS News, 16 May 2026 During the Marché du Film, Filmax is holding a Cannes market screening for buyers and expects the list of territories sold to continue to grow. —Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for screen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for screen
  1. film
  2. defense
  3. protect
  4. hide
  5. filter
  6. cover
  7. movie
  8. wall
Noun
  • The former couple produced and starred in the film, which was made at the height of the COVID pandemic.
    — Daniel S. Levine, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
  • The scene mirrored the energy of a film set, all drama and specific lighting and smoke billowing from mysterious corners, honoring the house’s relationship with cinema.
    — Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026
Definition of film
Noun
  • For Carl Douglas, one of those defense attorneys, that moment stands among his clearest memories of the trial.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
  • But Detroit’s damning offensive flaws, which its defense compensated for during the regular season, were exposed by the Cavs.
    — Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 18 May 2026
Definition of defense
Verb
  • The Linc is an open-air stadium, so there is no dome or roof to protect fans from the sun.
    — Elias Burke, New York Times, 21 May 2026
  • Its leaders have repeatedly contended that their resistance to occupation is protected under international law and the Lebanese constitution, if not under the new domestic policy.
    — Rania Abouzeid, New Yorker, 21 May 2026
Definition of protect
Verb
  • That day, Riley had been editing a sequence in which Corvette sneaks into a San Francisco condo owned by Christie, her fashion idol, by hiding inside a coffee delivery cart.
    — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
  • Bugs also tend to hide inside packaging, seams, or even the food itself.
    — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 15 May 2026
Definition of hide
Verb
  • The 11-bed unit, opened in 2005, has a dedicated laboratory and HEPA-filtered, negative-pressure rooms that prevent pathogens from escaping into all patient rooms.
    — Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 17 May 2026
  • Copalli White Rum is fermented and distilled shortly after cane pressing to preserve volatile aromatic compounds, then minimally filtered and bottled unaged.
    — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Definition of filter
Verb
  • Amanda Lee Myers is a senior crime reporter who covers the death penalty, cold case investigations and breaking news for USA TODAY.
    — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 21 May 2026
  • As rain peppered the tarp covering Yankee Stadium’s infield, Yesavage strolled around the Blue Jays clubhouse below.
    — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 21 May 2026
Definition of cover
Noun
  • Books will remain books, and movies based on books will keep getting made, but the pipeline between publishing and film has changed almost beyond recognition.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 May 2026
  • That said, Evermore's summer programming—beach DJs, movie nights on the sand, a resident sand sculpting artist, and holiday weekend events like a July 4th carnival and Labor Day Bay Games—makes staying put genuinely tempting.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 May 2026
Definition of movie
Noun
  • Not one but two heaters; one wall mounted right next to the bed and one electric fur rug for under foot comfort.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026
  • But after leaping and stretching his torso over the top of the wall, the ball fell just out of his reach.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2026
Definition of wall

Phrases Containing screen

Browse Nearby Words

screeching
screen
screened
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Cite this Entry

“Screen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/screen. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on screen

Nglish: Translation of screen for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about screen

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