noun
something that should remain hidden from others (especially information that is not to be passed on)
Examples
- the combination to the safe was a secret
- he tried to keep his drinking a secret
noun
information known only to a special group
Synonyms
Examples
- the secret of Cajun cooking
noun
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
Synonyms
Examples
- how it got out is a mystery
- it remains one of nature's secrets
adjective
not open or public
Examples
- kept private or not revealed
- a secret formula
- secret ingredients
- secret talks
adjective
conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods
Synonyms
Examples
- clandestine intelligence operations
- cloak-and-dagger activities behind enemy lines
- hole-and-corner intrigue
- secret missions
- a secret agent
- secret sales of arms
- surreptitious mobilization of troops
- an undercover investigation
- underground resistance
adjective
not openly made known
Synonyms
Examples
- a secret marriage
- a secret bride
adjective
communicated covertly
Examples
- their secret signal was a wink
- secret messages
adjective
not expressed
Synonyms
Examples
- secret (or private) thoughts
adjective
designed to elude detection
Synonyms
Examples
- a hidden room or place of concealment such as a priest hole
- a secret passage
- the secret compartment in the desk
adjective
hidden from general view or use
Synonyms
Examples
- a privy place to rest and think
- a secluded romantic spot
- a secret garden
adjective
(of information) given in confidence or in secret
Synonyms
Examples
- this arrangement must be kept confidential
- their secret communications
adjective
indulging only covertly
Examples
- a secret alcoholic
adjective
having an import not apparent to the senses nor obvious to the intelligence
Synonyms
Examples
- beyond ordinary understanding
- mysterious symbols
- the mystical style of Blake
- occult lore
- the secret learning of the ancients
adjective
the next to highest level of official classification for documents