secret

/sˈiːkɹət/

/ˈsikɹət/, /ˈsikɹɪt/

[noun] [adjective]

Secret

[NOUN]

a thing or fact that is known and seen by only one person or a few people and hidden from others

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

synonyms : closed book

enigma

mystery

information known only to a special group

synonyms : arcanum

a way of achieving something that is the best or the only way of doing so

secret

[ADJECTIVE]

not seen by or unknown to other people; meant to remain unseen or unknown to other people

having an import not apparent to the senses nor obvious to the intelligence; beyond ordinary understanding

synonyms : mysterious

not openly made known

synonyms : unavowed

conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods

synonyms : clandestine

not expressed

synonyms : private

communicated covertly

the next to highest level of official classification for documents

(of information) given in confidence or in secret

synonyms : confidential

designed to elude detection

synonyms : hidden

indulging only covertly

hidden from general view or use

synonyms : privy

secluded

Examples

1. He continued his work in secret.

2. The secret to good cooking is fresh ingredients.

3. Grandma's secret stuffing recipe includes a combination of diced onions, celery, and fragrant herbs.

4. Their affair was an open secret in army circles.

Nearby words