1
as in mysteries
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in keys
something that allows someone to achieve a desired goal
the secret to advancement in this company is hard work and dedication
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 secrets
When Alice Monroe's boyfriend goes missing during their vacation in France, she's forced to uncover secrets hidden in his past.
—
Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 8 Feb. 2026
Paulina Porizkova is exposing some dark secrets of the high-fashion world, claiming that her rise to superstardom was paved with uncomfortable encounters.
—Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 7 Feb. 2026
In post-post-war American culture, suburbs and small towns are more often than not a stage for secrets, sorrows, scandals and satire.
—Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026
Friendships are built over decades, loyalties are deeply rooted and secrets are guarded at all costs … until betrayal strikes and the cracks begin to show.
—Catherine Messier, The Providence Journal, 5 Feb. 2026
The story follows a pair of siblings who move to the Irish town of Ballycrea in 1965 and are hiding secrets.
—Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 5 Feb. 2026
The detectives also find the hospital itself has many secrets.
—Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
Before long, bodies of residents begin turning up, and diary entries from Linda's mother expose dark secrets from the past.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Jan. 2026
Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash As the Flynn family fractures under the strain of a failing open marriage and three daughters spiraling into dangerous secrets, their small coastal town is quietly dominated by a powerful shipping magnate no one dares to question.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 31 Jan. 2026
Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 8 Feb. 2026
Paulina Porizkova is exposing some dark secrets of the high-fashion world, claiming that her rise to superstardom was paved with uncomfortable encounters.
—Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 7 Feb. 2026
In post-post-war American culture, suburbs and small towns are more often than not a stage for secrets, sorrows, scandals and satire.
—Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026
Friendships are built over decades, loyalties are deeply rooted and secrets are guarded at all costs … until betrayal strikes and the cracks begin to show.
—Catherine Messier, The Providence Journal, 5 Feb. 2026
The story follows a pair of siblings who move to the Irish town of Ballycrea in 1965 and are hiding secrets.
—Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 5 Feb. 2026
The detectives also find the hospital itself has many secrets.
—Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
Before long, bodies of residents begin turning up, and diary entries from Linda's mother expose dark secrets from the past.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Jan. 2026
Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash As the Flynn family fractures under the strain of a failing open marriage and three daughters spiraling into dangerous secrets, their small coastal town is quietly dominated by a powerful shipping magnate no one dares to question.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 31 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secrets
Noun
-
But to defeat such a powerful villain, Prince Adam will first need to uncover the mysteries of his past and become He-Man, the most powerful man in the Universe.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
6 Feb. 2026
-
There are many mysteries surrounding Big Ma’s Kitchen, which opened last spring in the former Jade BBQ and Seafood space on Garvey Avenue.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Her employee badge, keys and computer were confiscated, according to the memo.—
Jessica Seaman,
Denver Post,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Music lovers have gone so far as to assign feelings to the keys that songs are played in.—
Shayla Love,
New Yorker,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Cortina d’Ampezzo is perched in the Veneto region and can be reached from several major gateways, including Venice and Milan, by train or car.—
Elycia Rubin,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Feb. 2026
-
China’s Hong Kong and Macau affairs office issued a scathing criticism of the Panama Supreme Court’s ruling that CK Hutchison’s contract to operate two Panama Canal-adjacent ports is unconstitutional—further ramping up international rhetoric surrounding the future of the gateways.—
Sourcing Journal,
Sourcing Journal,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Miami placed first with 250 winning tickets and Orlando third with 188.—
Scott Butler,
Florida Times-Union,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Being here, paying however many thousands for tickets and airfare and all the related costs, is for something else.—
Hannah Keyser,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Secrets.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secrets. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
