SECRET Synonyms: 170 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'secret' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of secret are clandestine , covert , furtive , stealthy , surreptitious , and underhanded . While all these words mean "done without attracting observation," secret implies concealment on any grounds for any motive. // met at a secret location

Q: When would 'clandestine' be a good substitute for 'secret'?

While the synonyms clandestine and secret are close in meaning, clandestine implies secrecy usually for an evil, illicit, or unauthorized purpose and often emphasizes the fear of being discovered. // a clandestine meeting of conspirators

Q: In what contexts can 'covert' take the place of 'secret'?

In some situations, the words covert and secret are roughly equivalent. However, covert stresses the fact of not being open or declared. // covert intelligence operations

Q: When is 'furtive' a more appropriate choice than 'secret'?

The synonyms furtive and secret are sometimes interchangeable, but furtive implies a sly or cautious stealthiness. // lovers exchanging furtive glances

Q: When is it sensible to use 'stealthy' instead of 'secret'?

The words stealthy and secret can be used in similar contexts, but stealthy suggests taking pains to avoid being seen or heard especially in some misdoing. // the stealthy step of a burglar

Q: Where would 'surreptitious' be a reasonable alternative to 'secret'?

The words surreptitious and secret are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, surreptitious applies to action or behavior done secretly often with skillful avoidance of detection and in violation of custom, law, or authority. // the surreptitious stockpiling of weapons

Q: When could 'underhanded' be used to replace 'secret'?

While in some cases nearly identical to secret , underhanded stresses fraud or deception. // an underhanded trick

secret 1 of 2

noun

Definition of secret next

as in confidence

information shared only with another or with a select few you didn't really expect him to keep a secret from his wife, did you?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

open secret

as in mystery

something hard to understand or explain the secrets of the Egyptian pyramids include the construction methods used to lift the huge blocks of stone in place

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as in key

something that allows someone to achieve a desired goal the secret to advancement in this company is hard work and dedication

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secret

2 of 2

adjective

ˈsē-krət

as in clandestine

undertaken or done so as to escape being observed or known by others a secret operation to rescue captive soldiers behind enemy lines

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in undercover

working on missions in which one's objectives, activities, or true identity are not publicly revealed secret agents whose wartime exploits were known only by top government officials

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

overt

as in secluded

screened or sequestered from view a secret cave that is screened by trees

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as in confidential

not known or meant to be known by the general populace proprietary information that the company does its best to keep secret

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word secret distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of secret are clandestine, covert, furtive, stealthy, surreptitious, and underhanded. While all these words mean "done without attracting observation," secret implies concealment on any grounds for any motive.

met at a secret location

When would clandestine be a good substitute for secret?

While the synonyms clandestine and secret are close in meaning, clandestine implies secrecy usually for an evil, illicit, or unauthorized purpose and often emphasizes the fear of being discovered.

a clandestine meeting of conspirators

In what contexts can covert take the place of secret?

In some situations, the words covert and secret are roughly equivalent. However, covert stresses the fact of not being open or declared.

covert intelligence operations

When is furtive a more appropriate choice than secret?

The synonyms furtive and secret are sometimes interchangeable, but furtive implies a sly or cautious stealthiness.

lovers exchanging furtive glances

When is it sensible to use stealthy instead of secret?

The words stealthy and secret can be used in similar contexts, but stealthy suggests taking pains to avoid being seen or heard especially in some misdoing.

the stealthy step of a burglar

Where would surreptitious be a reasonable alternative to secret?

The words surreptitious and secret are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, surreptitious applies to action or behavior done secretly often with skillful avoidance of detection and in violation of custom, law, or authority.

the surreptitious stockpiling of weapons

When could underhanded be used to replace secret?

While in some cases nearly identical to secret, underhanded stresses fraud or deception.

an underhanded trick

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 secret

Noun

Then Roman summons Torres to his office to grill him about the secret he’s been keeping. —

Sara Netzley, EW.com, 4 Feb. 2025 Elsewhere in this week’s episode of Fox’s Doc, Jake (Jon Ecker) deals with a fainting bride and her worried groom, while Amy’s ex-husband Michael (Omar Metwally) struggles with a secret he’s been keeping. —

Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 3 Feb. 2025

Adjective

In 2023, leaked intelligence revealed Egypt's secret plans to supply rockets to Russia in flagrant defiance of U.S. policy. —

Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025 Within moments of entering our lavish suite — complete with a claw-foot tub and plush plaid couches arranged around a fireplace — my daughter noticed a secret door in the wall. —

Leslie Jamison, Travel + Leisure, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for secret

Recent Examples of Synonyms for secret

Noun

Offshore wind, while promising, remains one of the more expensive sources of renewable energy, making robust policy support crucial for investor confidence.

— Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
Building confidence and learning to love yourself are lengthy (if very worthwhile) pursuits.

— Erica Sloan, SELF, 31 Jan. 2025