What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
secretness
Example
The secretness of the organization made it difficult to know what they were up to. [secretness: noun]
Example
He acted with secretness, not revealing his true intentions to anyone. [secretness: noun]
secrecy
Example
The government operated in secrecy, keeping their plans hidden from the public. [secrecy: noun]
Example
She swore him to secrecy, making sure he wouldn't reveal her secret to anyone. [secrecy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Secrecy is more commonly used than secretness in everyday language. Secrecy is versatile and can be employed in various contexts, while secretness is less common and may sound awkward in some contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between secretness and secrecy?
Both secretness and secrecy are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
