CONCEAL Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'conceal' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of conceal are bury , hide , screen , and secrete . While all these words mean "to withhold or withdraw from sight," conceal usually does imply intent and often specifically implies a refusal to divulge. // concealed the weapon

Q: When would 'bury' be a good substitute for 'conceal'?

While the synonyms bury and conceal are close in meaning, bury implies covering up so as to hide completely. // buried the treasure

Q: Where would 'hide' be a reasonable alternative to 'conceal'?

The synonyms hide and conceal are sometimes interchangeable, but hide may or may not suggest intent. // hide in the closet // a house hidden in the woods

Q: When might 'screen' be a better fit than 'conceal'?

The words screen and conceal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, screen implies an interposing of something that prevents discovery. // a house screened by trees

Q: When is 'secrete' a more appropriate choice than 'conceal'?

While in some cases nearly identical to conceal , secrete suggests a depositing in a place unknown to others. // secreted the amulet inside his shirt

conceal

verb

kən-ˈsēl

Definition of conceal next

as in to hide

to put into a hiding place wisely concealed the documents in a drawer beneath a false bottom

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to obscure

to keep secret or shut off from view the defense attorney accused the prosecutor of trying to conceal exculpatory evidence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word conceal distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of conceal are bury, hide, screen, and secrete. While all these words mean "to withhold or withdraw from sight," conceal usually does imply intent and often specifically implies a refusal to divulge.

concealed the weapon

When would bury be a good substitute for conceal?

While the synonyms bury and conceal are close in meaning, bury implies covering up so as to hide completely.

buried the treasure

Where would hide be a reasonable alternative to conceal?

The synonyms hide and conceal are sometimes interchangeable, but hide may or may not suggest intent.

hide in the closet

a house hidden in the woods

When might screen be a better fit than conceal?

The words screen and conceal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, screen implies an interposing of something that prevents discovery.

a house screened by trees

When is secrete a more appropriate choice than conceal?

While in some cases nearly identical to conceal, secrete suggests a depositing in a place unknown to others.

secreted the amulet inside his shirt

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of conceal Some are concealing their autism and dealing with the resulting feelings of isolation, while others thrive in the communities and support structures around them. —

Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Nov. 2024 But with Lee openly referring to Qua, prosecutors allowed the jury to presume that the co-defendants were in jail, a detail that was meant to be concealed because it is considered prejudicial. —

Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 2 Nov. 2024 It’s recommended the bananas and clam chowder be entirely concealed/submerged once the concrete has set. —

Jeff Gibson, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2024 After six hours of jury deliberation, Leilani Simon, 24, was convicted of all 19 charges against her on Friday, including malice murder, concealing the death of another and multiple counts of making a false statement, WTOC reported. —

Christina Coulter, Fox News, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for conceal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for conceal

Verb

The Super Bowl contender hiding in plain sight Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper signed a 13-year, $330 million contract in early 2019 in what was a record deal at the time.

David K. Li, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
But Bill Belichick has nothing in particular to offer when journalists ask about coaches hiding the effects of the disease.

Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024