secrete

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

Relevance

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

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 secrete In December and January, Pebbles gobbled down seven doses of the drug, which had been secreted inside dead mice and quail. Emily Elconin, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025 Pepto-Bismol reduces the amount of fluids that are secreted into the intestines. Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2025 Those should properly be studied and debated on their own, rather than be secreted in the budget package. Dan Walters, Orange County Register, 5 Feb. 2025 Some of the most common animal extracts used in hair perfumes are musk and ambergris, which is a waxy substance that is secreted by sperm whales. Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for secrete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secrete
Verb
  • Urban Outfitters’ fourth-quarter results concealed underlying challenges, with the flagship brand experiencing its eleventh consecutive quarter of negative growth.
    Trefis Team, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • This adhesive helps conceal the false lashes’ band, especially with black eyeliner.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Imani Randolph, a model and creator, recalls her mom’s upbringing in the Bronx where effort wasn’t hidden, it was celebrated.
    Daisy Maldonado, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The good news is that new data solutions are emerging to help businesses finally unlock the potential hidden within their data.
    Lalit Patil, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The show has never been out to bury anybody and bury any of the team principles.
    Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Four months later, J.J. and Tylee's remains were found buried on Chad's property, leading the couple to be indicted on charges of murder.
    Jessica Sager, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on secrete

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!