secrete

Definition of secretenext
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

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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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for secrete
Verb
  • The two allegedly stole incoming cash and concealed the thefts by generating checks and forging the court clerk’s signature.
    Nathan Pilling July 1, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
  • But an airline passenger in Indianapolis was caught using a peanut butter jar to conceal something altogether more concerning.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • For loungability there’s a king bed, a hide-a-bed sofa, a fireplace and theater seats.
    Kris Millgate, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • When Fluffy failed to come out of hiding after 24 hours, Melissa Kirby and her husband began making and posting missing cat posters around their neighborhood.
    Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • But instead of trying to make the turn, Diene laid the ball off for Baker, who buried a one-timer into the left side of the net.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2026
  • In addition, the group plans to bury a time capsule on July 4 in Philadelphia to be opened on America's 500th birthday in 2276.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 3 July 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Secrete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secrete. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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