secrecy

noun

se·​cre·​cy ˈsē-krə-sē 

plural secrecies

1

: the condition of being hidden or concealed

2

: the habit or practice of keeping secrets or maintaining privacy or concealment

Synonyms

• closeness
• secretiveness

Examples of secrecy in a Sentence

this administration's steadfast adherence to secrecy is beginning to cost it the trust of the voters

Recent Examples on the Web

Staff are advised to communicate specific allergens rather than divulging entire ingredient lists, maintaining both safety and proprietary secrecy. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025

The deal happened in almost total secrecy, The Times first hearing rumors of the Lakers and the Mavericks working together on something from a rival executive on Thursday night. —Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2025

But Jarecki and Kaufman penetrate the walls of secrecy. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 30 Jan. 2025

But with all the secrecy, knowing where and how often is impossible to know. —Gavin Off, Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier secretie, from Middle English secretee, from secret secret

First Known Use

1556, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing secrecy

• anti-secrecy
• swear (someone) to secrecy
• swear to secrecy

Kids Definition

secrecy

noun

se·​cre·​cy ˈsē-krə-sē 

plural secrecies

1

: the habit of keeping secrets : secretiveness

2

: the quality or state of being hidden or concealed