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
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
Synonyms
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
Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2024
Below, Shah talks with THR about putting together his dream writers room, the one cast member who was a bit hesitant about the sequel and the secret weapon of Chris Rock.
—Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Oct. 2024
Grace McCarty, SELF, 2 Oct. 2024
Contrary to popular belief, the secret to driving organizational change faster isn't in having all the resources in the world or achieving full adoption of your change initiatives right away.
—Sherzod Odilov, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for secret 
Adjective
The comedy series shines a light on the secret chaos inside the world of superhero moviemaking, to ask the question — how exactly does the cinematic sausage get made?
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2024
Below, Shah talks with THR about putting together his dream writers room, the one cast member who was a bit hesitant about the sequel and the secret weapon of Chris Rock.
—Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Oct. 2024
Noun
Her secret: Duo Lash Glue, and a very meticulous application method (that’s worth the watch in and of itself).
—Grace McCarty, SELF, 2 Oct. 2024
Contrary to popular belief, the secret to driving organizational change faster isn't in having all the resources in the world or achieving full adoption of your change initiatives right away.
—Sherzod Odilov, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for secret
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.
Dictionary Entries Near secret
Cite this Entry
“Secret.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secret. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
secret
1 of 2 adjective
se·cret
ˈsē-krət 
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 noun1
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
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