Synonyms of divulge

divulge

verb

də-ˈvəlj 

as in to disclose

to make known (as information previously kept secret)

we tried to make him divulge the name of the winner, but he wouldn't budge

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disclose
• reveal
• discover
• tell
• uncover
• expose
• share
• announce
• unveil
• spill
• bare
• unmask
• bring to light
• leak
• let on (about)
• confide
• publish
• unbosom
• go public (with)
• uncloak
• spill the beans (about)
• confess
• advertise
• proclaim
• inform
• declare
• acknowledge
• post
• let the cat out of the bag (about)
• publicize
• betray
• promulgate
• impart
• show up
• admit
• debunk
• blab
• unearth
• relate
• talk
• communicate
• bring out
• broadcast
• own
• concede
• give away
• unclothe
• avow
• sound
• smoke out
• blaze
• undrape
• disinter
• squeal
• placard
• rake up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• conceal
• hide
• cover (up)
• veil
• mask
• cloak
• disguise
• shroud
• camouflage
• enshroud
• obscure
• gloss (over)
• whitewash
• varnish
• gild
• shade
• overshadow
• eclipse
• becloud
• darken
• cloud
• overcast
• befog
• bedim

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

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

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