secrete

as in to conceal
to put into a hiding place the police found the weapon secreted under the driver's seat of the getaway car

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word secrete distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of secrete are bury, conceal, hide, and screen. While all these words mean "to withhold or withdraw from sight," secrete suggests a depositing in a place unknown to others.

secreted the amulet inside his shirt

Where would bury be a reasonable alternative to secrete?

The words bury and secrete can be used in similar contexts, but bury implies covering up so as to hide completely.

buried the treasure

In what contexts can conceal take the place of secrete?

In some situations, the words conceal and secrete are roughly equivalent. However, conceal usually does imply intent and often specifically implies a refusal to divulge.

concealed the weapon

When might hide be a better fit than secrete?

While in some cases nearly identical to secrete, hide may or may not suggest intent.

hide in the closet
a house hidden in the woods

When could screen be used to replace secrete?

While the synonyms screen and secrete are close in meaning, screen implies an interposing of something that prevents discovery.

a house screened by trees

Examples 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 secrete The key seems to be that the electric signals speed up the migration of fibroblasts, cells that help build new connective tissue by secreting collagen. New Atlas, 9 Oct. 2024 Oil glands, or sebaceous glands, are usually connected to hair follicles and secrete an oily substance called sebum that moisturizes your skin and hair. Carley Millhone, Health, 19 Oct. 2024 The grand jury accused Whiting of misuse of public monies, theft, conflict of interest, harassment, sending a threatening letter and stealing, destroying, altering or secreting public records. Robert Anglen, The Arizona Republic, 4 Oct. 2024 These toads secrete a potent toxin from glands located just behind their heads, which can be lethal to would-be predators. Scott Travers, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for secrete 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secrete
Verb
  • That gorgeous cabinet is concealing a 5.25-inch high excursion woofer and a pair of 2.25-inch full range drivers, with 120W of amplification.
    Brad Moon, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
  • Things like under-bed lighting, concealed speakers and charging stations, and foot-of-the-bed TV chests will keep electronics out of view.
    Colleen Sullivan, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • But of course, around them hiding in forests and hills and woods are the infected.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 10 Dec. 2024
  • The alleged cheaters in France used simple techniques to conceal their cameras, like hiding the devices in their clothing, but much more robust options exist on the open market.
    Ben Dowsett, WIRED, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The mother picked Willie up, still dripping, the boy’s arm doing a funny thing, his face buried in her neck.
    Lauren Groff, The New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2024
  • Glutamatergic neurons buried deep in the LH emerged as strong and unexpected contenders.
    Michael Irving, New Atlas, 8 Dec. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near secrete

Cite this Entry

“Secrete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secrete. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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