secret 1 of 2

noun

Definition of secretnext
1
as in confidence
information shared only with another or with a select few you didn't really expect him to keep a secret from his wife, did you?

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2
as in mystery
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

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3
as in key
something that allows someone to achieve a desired goal the secret to advancement in this company is hard work and dedication

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secret

2 of 2

adjective

ˈsē-krət How to pronounce secret (audio)
1
as in clandestine
undertaken or done so as to escape being observed or known by others a secret operation to rescue captive soldiers behind enemy lines

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2
as in undercover
working on missions in which one's objectives, activities, or true identity are not publicly revealed secret agents whose wartime exploits were known only by top government officials

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3
as in secluded
screened or sequestered from view a secret cave that is screened by trees

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4
as in confidential
not known or meant to be known by the general populace proprietary information that the company does its best to keep secret

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word secret distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of secret are clandestine, covert, furtive, stealthy, surreptitious, and underhanded. While all these words mean "done without attracting observation," secret implies concealment on any grounds for any motive.

met at a secret location

When would clandestine be a good substitute for secret?

While the synonyms clandestine and secret are close in meaning, clandestine implies secrecy usually for an evil, illicit, or unauthorized purpose and often emphasizes the fear of being discovered.

a clandestine meeting of conspirators

In what contexts can covert take the place of secret?

In some situations, the words covert and secret are roughly equivalent. However, covert stresses the fact of not being open or declared.

covert intelligence operations

When is furtive a more appropriate choice than secret?

The synonyms furtive and secret are sometimes interchangeable, but furtive implies a sly or cautious stealthiness.

lovers exchanging furtive glances

When is it sensible to use stealthy instead of secret?

The words stealthy and secret can be used in similar contexts, but stealthy suggests taking pains to avoid being seen or heard especially in some misdoing.

the stealthy step of a burglar

Where would surreptitious be a reasonable alternative to secret?

The words surreptitious and secret are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, surreptitious applies to action or behavior done secretly often with skillful avoidance of detection and in violation of custom, law, or authority.

the surreptitious stockpiling of weapons

When could underhanded be used to replace secret?

While in some cases nearly identical to secret, underhanded stresses fraud or deception.

an underhanded trick

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 secret
Noun
How studying players’ mental game became UConn coach Geno Auriemma’s secret to NCAA Tournament success After 40 years and 11 titles, UConn coach Geno Auriemma has perfected his approach to managing the mental game of the NCAA Tournament. —Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 21 Mar. 2025 While the exact number of annual executions for all offences in China remains a state secret, they are estimated to number in the thousands—more than the rest of the world combined. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
The New York Times reported that Musk would be briefed on secret war plans for China, something Musk, Trump and others denied. —Nandita Bose, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025 Trump administration live updates: Hegseth denies Musk will be briefed on 'top secret China war plans' The New York Times reported that Musk would receive a briefing from senior military leaders about a top-secret military plan for potential war with China. —Luis Martinez, ABC News, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for secret
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secret
  1. confidence
  2. mystery
  3. key
  4. clandestine
  5. undercover
  6. secluded
  7. confidential
  8. ticket
Noun
  • Despite my setbacks, personal development via baseball unleashed my Inner Underdog to earn respect, gain confidence, and become a leader.
    — Quang X. Pham, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • But in its latest earnings report in February, Paramount management expressed confidence in its film strategy.
    — Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of confidence
Noun
  • One of the greatest mysteries facing humanity is how the activation or firing of our neurons relates to our ability to think and somehow gives rise to a sense of sentience and consciousness.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Over the next six years, the telescope will capture images of more than 1.5 billion galaxies and reveal even more mysteries about the universe.
    — Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of mystery
Noun
  • The keyboard and trackpad are great as usual: backlit keys, over 1mm of travel, large trackpad that can be tapped or clicked anywhere, with tremendous haptic feedback.
    — Ben Sin, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Experts say the key is consistency and any movement is better than none.
    — Laura Hensley, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of key
Adjective
  • Director Jeremy Workman and editor Paul Murphy knew there was more nuance to the story than a clandestine performance piece, though.
    — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 23 Mar. 2025
  • TdA is undertaking hostile actions and conducting irregular warfare against the territory of the United States both directly and at the direction, clandestine or otherwise, of the Maduro regime in Venezuela.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of clandestine
Adjective
  • In a hearing Tuesday, Mr. Ratcliffe said the officer was not undercover.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Attorneys for the Department of Justice are contesting Taal’s alleged timeline of the facts, after his lawyers said undercover immigration officers showed up at his residence last week in retaliation for filing the lawsuit.
    — Gloria Pazmino, CNN, 25 Mar. 2025
Definition of undercover
Adjective
  • This rich heritage is reflected in the area's local cuisine, although the exclusive area is better known today for its magnificent oceanfront homes and secluded estates.
    — Irene S. Levine, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Retreats at the Pearl Laguna feel exceptionally secluded and restorative despite being only 30 minutes from Disneyland.
    — Visit California, AFAR Media, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of secluded
Adjective
  • If the owner decides to fire the attorney for having met their ethical obligation to raise such concerns, the attorney is equally bound to keep the reasons for their termination confidential (except in certain exceptional circumstances).
    — Chris Deubert, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Federal prosecutors in California charged Buma Tuesday with one count of disclosure of confidential information.
    — Compiled by Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of confidential
Noun
  • For whatever reason, people are still buying tickets to my shows.
    — H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Citi Presale: Citi card members will have access to presale tickets beginning March 31 at noon local time until Wednesday, April 2 at 11 a.m. local time through the Citi Entertainment program.
    — Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of ticket

Phrases Containing secret

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secrecy
secret
secret agent
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Cite this Entry

“Secret.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secret. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

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