something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others, not known or seen or not meant to be known or seen by others

let the cat out of the bag, keep a secret, in on the secret

trade secret, top secret, open secret

Formal and Informal Expressions of secret

In different contexts, you can replace 'secret' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'confidential information, classified information' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'hush-hush, top-secret' is a commonplace synonym.

secret: Explore its Definition & Usage

secret Definition

1something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others
2not known or seen or not meant to be known or seen by others

Using secret: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "secret" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
She told me her secret.
Example
The company has a secret project in development.
Example
He has a secret crush on her.
Example
The spy revealed the country's secrets to the enemy.

secret Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for secret

Antonyms for secret

Idioms Using secret

let the cat out of the bag
reveal a secret, often unintentionally
Example
I accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
keep a secret
not reveal information that is meant to be kept confidential
Example
I can keep a secret if you tell me not to tell anyone.
in on the secret
having knowledge of something that is meant to be kept unknown to others
Example
She was in on the secret plan to surprise him for his birthday.

Phrases with secret

trade secret
a formula, practice, process, design, instrument, pattern, commercial method, or compilation of information which is not generally known or reasonably ascertainable by others, and by which a business can obtain an economic advantage over competitors or customers
Example
The recipe for Coca-Cola is a closely guarded trade secret.
top secret
information or material that is deemed highly sensitive and requires the highest level of security clearance to access
Example
The details of the military operation were classified as top secret.
open secret
a fact or situation that is widely known but not officially acknowledged
Example
It was an open secret that the CEO was planning to resign.

Origins of secret

from Old French 'secret', from Latin 'secretus', meaning 'separate, hidden'

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Summary: secret in Brief

The term 'secret' [ˈsiːkrət] refers to something kept unknown or unseen by others. It can be used as a noun or an adjective, and it can describe anything from confidential information to a hidden emotion. Examples include 'She told me her secret,' and 'He has a secret crush on her.' Phrases like 'trade secret' and idioms like 'let the cat out of the bag' extend the concept of secrecy.