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
  • Contrary to realty ethics rules, Pearl did not disclose in the listing that the house doesn’t have a certificate of occupancy, and its building permit expired Feb. 15.
    Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025
  • As massive as these industrial farms can be, state officials disclose little information about dry-litter poultry farms, the roughly 4,700 farms responsible for raising more than 99% of the state’s billion birds, according to state agricultural data.
    Gavin Off, Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • After his son burst into the room, Gordon turned to the boy and revealed the excuse for his violent outburst, Brandon said.
    Ellen Moynihan, New York Daily News, 25 Jan. 2025
  • The answers can help reveal whether something else is being overlooked.
    Angela Haupt, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Nearly four years after Gabby Petito’s remains were discovered in Wyoming’s Bridger-Teton National Forest, Netflix is set to release a new docuseries into the shocking murder of the #vanlife vlogger by her then-fiancé, Brian Laundrie.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 27 Jan. 2025
  • This refuge provided temporary shelter until it was discovered in 1942.
    Natalia Romik / Madę by History, TIME, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The dealership employee told police that Pan had asked to borrow the car for a test drive and had never returned.
    Emma Steele, CBS News, 26 Jan. 2025
  • The shots came in quick succession, Easton told him.
    Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 26 Jan. 2025

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Thesaurus Entries Near divulge

Cite this Entry

“Divulge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divulge. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on divulge

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