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
  • According to prosecutors, Ramirez, Niembro and others concealed from Nodus board members, executives and Puerto Rico banking regulators that investments and loans made by the institution benefited Ramirez and Niembro themselves.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The tax evasion charge involved concealing income and filing false tax returns for that year, according to the indictment.
    — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The teens then ran from law enforcement before being found hiding in a nearby backyard, with one of the suspects being taken into custody with the assistance of a police dog.
    — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Now that raw capability is no longer scarce, the excuse for hiding behind these proxies has quietly disappeared.
    — Vikas Verma, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The remains uncovered in February followed an earlier discovery of remains from 72 people who also were believed to have been buried at the former county hospital cemetery site, UC Davis Health officials said.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The sale was buried near the end of a 418-page document detailing the estate’s finances for the third quarter of 2020.
    — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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