Synonym Chooser

How does the verb divulge differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of divulge are betray, disclose, reveal, and tell. While all these words mean "to make known what has been or should be concealed," divulge implies a disclosure involving some impropriety or breach of confidence.

refused to divulge an anonymous source

When might betray be a better fit than divulge?

While in some cases nearly identical to divulge, betray implies a divulging that represents a breach of faith or an involuntary or unconscious disclosure.

a blush that betrayed her embarrassment

Where would disclose be a reasonable alternative to divulge?

Although the words disclose and divulge have much in common, disclose may imply a discovering but more often an imparting of information previously kept secret.

candidates must disclose their financial assets

When is reveal a more appropriate choice than divulge?

In some situations, the words reveal and divulge are roughly equivalent. However, reveal may apply to supernatural or inspired revelation of truths beyond the range of ordinary human vision or reason.

divine will as revealed in sacred writings

In what contexts can tell take the place of divulge?

The synonyms tell and divulge are sometimes interchangeable, but tell implies an imparting of necessary or useful information.

told them what he had overheard

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 divulge The director wouldn’t divulge any other details about the sequels. Hunter Harris, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2023 Goltz would not divulge during the board meeting which business names hope to sign at Willows Crossing. Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 9 Dec. 2022 In a running joke, the staff of El Faro admonished one another not to divulge sensitive details in newsroom meetings, lest Peter Dumas, the head of the country’s intelligence agency, overhear them. Ronan Farrow, The New Yorker, 30 Nov. 2022 New York City employers are starting to divulge more details about salaries ahead of a law taking effect this week that will require nearly all new job postings to include a pay range, a move expected to reshape workplaces and how companies hire. WSJ, 31 Oct. 2022 See All Example Sentences for divulge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divulge
Verb
  • Exactly who those four groups are wasn't disclosed, but some companies and notable figures have publicly put in their bid for the app.
    Emily Blackwood, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Her name was not immediately disclosed as cops track down family members.
    Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 15 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The final moments of the episode also reveal that the parasitic alien Sequids are still roaming the sewers, the bloodthirsty Battle Beast is alive in space and Angstrom Levy (Sterling K. Brown) survived the Invincible War.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 14 Mar. 2025
  • While none of the Southern Charm cast gave a name for Sienna’s NFL boyfriend, Craig Conover revealed during the aftershow that Sienna left Shep for a Denver Broncos player.
    Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Lao Cha, a janitor, finds companionship in a stray cat and befriends a woman named Li in a virtual world, only to discover that Li is actually a 10-year-old boy.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025
  • First discovered: 6:37 a.m. March 16 Initial location: Los Angeles County, Calif. Fire type: Wildfire Fire name: LAC-095485 A new wildfire was reported today at 6:37 a.m. in Los Angeles County.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacramento Bee, 16 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • McKinzie was initially arrested in the Nickerson Gardens public housing apartment complex on suspicion of trespassing and drinking in public, police sources told NBC4.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Rekha Sharma-Crawford, a partner at Sharma-Crawford Attorneys at Law who represents several individuals who were detained, told The Star that her team should have a disposition on the last person in custody soon.
    Taylor O’Connor, Kansas City Star, 15 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Divulge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divulge. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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