secret

- definition

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Thesaurus

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adjective

/ˈsiːkrət/

Related dictionary definitions

Metaphor

deliberately not told to other people, or kept hidden from other people
The diary records her most secret thoughts and feelings.
Police discovered a secret bomb factory.
keep something secret:
The Minister denied that the report was being kept secret.
secret talks:
Secret talks were held in the hope of settling the dispute.
a secret location:
They are now at a secret location agreed with social services.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of secret
1. a.
  not known about by many people
  We love coming here because it’s like a secret garden.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of secret
2. b.
  used for describing someone who does something in secret
  a secret lover
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of secret
3. c.
  informal deliberately not telling people things
  He can be the most secret man alive.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of secret

Metaphor: secret

To keep something secret is like covering it, or putting it in a container, so that other people cannot see it.

She accused him of covering up the truth.
They hid/concealed the truth as best they could.
He tried to mask/disguise/camouflage his true feelings.
She wanted to bury the memory of that day.
The operation was cloaked/shrouded/veiled in secrecy.
We will draw a veil over what happened next.
You’re just trying to paper over the problem.
The project is still under wraps.
They kept it dark that they were planning to leave next day.
There has been a complete news blackout.
This report is nothing but a whitewash: what really went on?

To tell a secret is like removing a cover from something, or like opening a container and letting something get out.

He uncovered/revealed/exposed a terrible secret. ♦ After a few minutes, she began to open up and talk about her family. ♦ You have always been very open about your feelings. ♦ Someone leaked the information to the press. ♦ The news had already got out. ♦ My father let the cat out of the bag and spoiled the surprise. ♦ Do you know who spilled the beans? ♦ He spilled his guts to the police.

➡ discover, knowledge

This is the British English definition of secret. View American English definition of secret.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to American English.

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