secret

1 of 2

adjective

se·​cret ˈsē-krət How to pronounce secret (audio)
1
a
: kept from knowledge or view : hidden
b
: marked by the habit of discretion : closemouthed
c
: working with hidden aims or methods : undercover
a secret agent
d
: not acknowledged : unavowed
a secret bride
e
: conducted in secret
a secret trial
2
: remote from human frequentation or notice : secluded
3
: revealed only to the initiated : esoteric
4
: designed to elude observation or detection
a secret panel
5
: containing information whose unauthorized disclosure could endanger national security compare confidential, top secret
secretly adverb

secret

2 of 2

noun

1
a
: something kept hidden or unexplained : mystery
b
: something kept from the knowledge of others or shared only confidentially with a few
c
: a method, formula, or process used in an art or operation and divulged only to those of one's own company or craft : trade secret
d
secrets plural : the practices or knowledge making up the shared discipline or culture of an esoteric society
2
: a prayer traditionally said inaudibly by the celebrant just before the preface of the mass
3
: something taken to be a specific or key to a desired end
the secret of longevity
Phrases
in secret
: in a private place or manner
Choose the Right Synonym for secret

secret, covert, stealthy, furtive, clandestine, surreptitious, underhanded mean done without attracting observation.

secret implies concealment on any grounds for any motive.

met at a secret location

covert stresses the fact of not being open or declared.

covert intelligence operations

stealthy suggests taking pains to avoid being seen or heard especially in some misdoing.

the stealthy step of a burglar

furtive implies a sly or cautious stealthiness.

lovers exchanging furtive glances

clandestine implies secrecy usually for an evil, illicit, or unauthorized purpose and often emphasizes the fear of being discovered.

a clandestine meeting of conspirators

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

underhanded stresses fraud or deception.

an underhanded trick

Examples of secret in a Sentence

Adjective Her secret wish is to become a senator. The message was written in secret code. I don't know the secret password. He was sent on a secret mission. They engaged in secret negotiations with the enemy. She tried to keep her marriage secret. They've been very secret about their plans. Noun Don't tell him about the party—it's a secret. I'm going to tell you a secret, but you have to promise not to tell anyone else. You always look great. What's your secret? She shared her beauty secrets with the group. The secret to a good sauce is the base. the secrets of the universe one of nature's greatest secrets
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Rumors circulated that Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck would show up, likely in the secret back room. Amanda Fortini, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024 One of the common threads of UFO sightings across decades have been secret military aircraft and spacecraft in development or not yet publicly acknowledged. Garrett M. Graff, WIRED, 11 Mar. 2024 Hidden doors and secret rooms are having a bit of a moment, The New York Times reported on Thursday. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2024 There are former government officials who firmly believe the United States has information about aliens or have heard reports about secret programs to study extraterrestrial technology. Julian E. Barnes, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2024 At the same time, the Traitors murder a Faithful each night, while also working to keep their identities secret. Anna Tingley, Variety, 7 Mar. 2024 The city combines the best of Texas barbecue with great live music, secret swimming holes, and plenty of trails for hiking and biking. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2024 The series, which also included interviews with Epstein’s victims, detailed how Epstein and his lawyers managed to manipulate prosecutors into giving him a extraordinarily lenient deal that was kept secret from his victims and their attorneys. Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 29 Feb. 2024 Revealed in a secret room, protected by two sets of security doors and with which Rolls-Royce says many of its staff are unfamiliar, the third Droptail is a spectacular motorcar. Alistair Charlton, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
Noun
Read on below: Sheet pans are kitchen workhorses with limitless possibilities The secret to 15-minute meals? Becky Krystal, Washington Post, 13 Mar. 2024 Read all about America Ferrera's pink nails, Matthew McConaughey's amazing waves, and the secrets of more stars' getting ready routines revealed here. Jackie Fields, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 There were Klaus Fuchs and Ted Hall, who shared nuclear secrets with the Soviets. Andrew Marantz, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024 Former Food editor Russ Parsons claims the secret to the perfect creamy scramble is cold butter, monitoring the heat closely, and stirring constantly by whisk, spatula or wooden spoon. Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2024 Once again sharing the secret with Ryan Gosling, the actress is tasked with singing, dancing, and acting her way through a love story. Shania Russell, EW.com, 10 Mar. 2024 The prince defeats the enemies and discovers the secret of Galerius’ speedy takeover. Gieson Cacho, The Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2024 Dedicated volunteers the secret to fish fry's longevity The commitment among the volunteers is remarkable. Sophie Carson, Journal Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2024 Today, the port city is buried — but that hasn’t stopped archaeologists from attempting to uncover the secrets of the ancient hub. Moira Ritter, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'secret.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Anglo-French secré, secret, from Latin secretus, from past participle of secernere to separate, distinguish, from se- apart + cernere to sift — more at secede, certain

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of secret was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near secret

Cite this Entry

“Secret.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secret. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

secret

1 of 2 adjective
se·​cret ˈsē-krət How to pronounce secret (audio)
1
a
: hidden or kept from knowledge or view
b
: working in secret as a spy or detective : undercover
a secret agent
2
: secluded sense 1
a secret valley
secretly adverb

secret

2 of 2 noun
1
a
: something that cannot be explained : mystery
b
: something kept from the knowledge of others or shared only privately with a few
2
: something taken to be necessary to gain a desired end
the secret of a long life

More from Merriam-Webster on secret

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!