something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others, a mystery or puzzle that is difficult to understand or solve

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

dirty little secret, open secret, trade secret

Formal and Informal Expressions of secrets

In different contexts, you can replace 'secrets' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'confidentiality, mystery' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'hush-hush, mum's the word' is a commonplace synonym.

secrets: Explore its Definition & Usage

secrets Definition

1something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others
2a mystery or puzzle that is difficult to understand or solve

Using secrets: Examples

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

Example
She revealed her deepest secrets to her best friend.
Example
The company's success was due to their trade secrets.
Example
He took the secret to his grave.
Example
The government has many secrets.

secrets Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for secrets

Antonyms for secrets

Idioms Using secrets

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 confidential
Example
She was in on the secret plan to surprise him for his birthday.

Phrases with secrets

dirty little secret
an embarrassing or shameful fact or habit that someone keeps hidden from others
Example
Her addiction to gambling was her dirty little secret.
open secret
a fact or situation that is known by many people, but not officially acknowledged
Example
It was an open secret that the politician had taken bribes.
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 well-guarded trade secret.

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Summary: secrets in Brief

The term 'secrets' [ˈsiːkrɪts] refers to information or knowledge that is kept hidden from others. It can be anything from personal confessions to confidential business practices, as in 'The company's success was due to their trade secrets.' Phrases like 'dirty little secret' denote embarrassing habits, while idioms like 'let the cat out of the bag' refer to revealing information unintentionally. 'Secrets' can also be used to describe puzzles or mysteries that are difficult to understand or solve.