Synonyms for

Secrecy

Verb / ˈsi:krʌsi: / Another word for secrecy — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

the action of keeping something secret or the state of being kept secret

Synonyms & similar words

concealment privacy secretiveness silence privateness confidentiality privacy seclusion solitude reticence silence reserve obscurity clandestineness mystery stealth furtiveness hiddenness hush-hush cloak-and-dagger covert underground underhandedness secretness mystique

Synonyms by register

Formal

confidentiality privacy discretion

Informal

hush-hush keeping mum under wraps

Literary

occultation obscurity

Antonyms

openness transparency disclosure frankness candor publicity honesty

Common collocations

  • maintain secrecy
  • absolute secrecy
  • military secrecy
  • state secrecy
  • secrecy surrounds
  • cloak of secrecy
  • veil of secrecy

Word family

noun secrecy
verb secrete
adjective secret
adverb secretly

Usage note

Secrecy implies the act of keeping something hidden or unknown, often with an intent to conceal. It can carry a negative connotation of deception, but also a neutral one of necessary privacy or discretion.

Example sentences

  1. The spy was skilled in the art of secrecy.
  2. The company's financial records were kept in secrecy.
  3. The politician promised transparency but practiced secrecy.
  4. The magician performed his trick with secrecy.
  5. The government agency operated in a veil of secrecy.

Quotes

  • Secrecy is the badge of fraud. - Sir John Dalberg-Acton
  • The best way of keeping a secret is to pretend there isn't one. - Margaret Atwood
  • The things we do for ourselves are gone when we are gone, but the things we do for others remain as a legacy. - Kalu Ndukwe Kalu

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