What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
secrete
Example
The pancreas secretes insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. [secretes: verb]
Example
She secretly secreted the stolen jewels in her purse. [secreted: past tense]
Example
The chemist used a filter to secrete the impurities from the solution. [secrete: verb]
excrete
Example
The kidneys excrete urine to remove waste from the body. [excrete: verb]
Example
The sweat glands excrete sweat to regulate body temperature. [excrete: verb]
Example
The liver helps to excrete toxins from the body. [excrete: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Excrete is more commonly used than secrete in everyday language, especially in scientific or medical contexts. Secrete is less common and may be used more in specialized fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between secrete and excrete?
Both secrete and excrete are formal words that are typically used in scientific or medical contexts. However, excrete may be more commonly used in everyday language due to its association with bodily functions and waste removal.
