hide 1 of 3

hide

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verb (2)

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hide

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word hide distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of hide are bury, conceal, screen, and secrete. While all these words mean "to withhold or withdraw from sight," hide may or may not suggest intent.

hide in the closet
a house hidden in the woods

When might bury be a better fit than hide?

The words bury and hide are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bury implies covering up so as to hide completely.

buried the treasure

When could conceal be used to replace hide?

In some situations, the words conceal and hide are roughly equivalent. However, conceal usually does imply intent and often specifically implies a refusal to divulge.

concealed the weapon

Where would screen be a reasonable alternative to hide?

Although the words screen and hide have much in common, screen implies an interposing of something that prevents discovery.

a house screened by trees

When would secrete be a good substitute for hide?

The meanings of secrete and hide largely overlap; however, secrete suggests a depositing in a place unknown to others.

secreted the amulet inside his shirt

Example 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 hide
Verb
There’s usually an activity of some sort—ranging from festively hued frosting hidden inside cupcakes to huge balloon displays and confetti canons filled with pink or blue—as well as food, beverages, and decorations. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025 President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s wheelchair was famously hidden from the public, though his ailment was not necessarily a secret, just considered uncouth to talk about. Haisten Willis, The Washington Examiner, 12 Apr. 2025
Noun
He also is tasked with saving the hide of team President Jed Hoyer, who is entering the final year of his contract and needs to justify his existence after four October-free years. Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025 With wolf hides covering tailored suits, flowers blooming from satin dresses, and cascading fur evoking storybook creatures. Cassell Ferere, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hide
Noun
  • Clouded leopards are threatened by deforestation and poaching, as land is cleared for palm oil agriculture and they are hunted for their teeth, pelt and bones used in some traditional medicine, according to the Smithsonian.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 10 Mar. 2025
  • His supporters swiftly took to the streets in Bucharest, CNN’s affiliate Antena 3 reported, with some tearing up asphalt from the roads to pelt police who had amassed to guard the BEC building.
    Christian Edwards, CNN, 10 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Known for: Its quiet luxury aesthetic that puts premium leather and craftsmanship at the forefront.
    Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The soft leather looks best when done up in a snake print, as far as we’re concerned, which will instantly grant your off-duty stylings more oomph.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The young woman wore a Dr. Zhivago fur hat, and laughed in a contagious way.
    Spencer Reece, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Simple, but elegant, the bright white and cream–color rooms are contrasted by dark walnut headboards and nightstands, while the faux fur throw strewn over the bed adds a hint of lavishness.
    Christina Liao, Vogue, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Dyeing eggs also dates back to the ancient Middle East when people used onion skins to color them, Kizenko said.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • According to the warrant affidavit, the goat appeared to have arthritis in both of her front knees and had flaky and scaly skin.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Tariffs targeting uninhabited volcanic Heard Island and McDonald Islands, a remote territory inhabited only by penguins, seals, and seabirds were included on Trump's list.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Research suggests that vitamin D deficiency reduces production of the receptors the nutrient binds to, subsequently reducing the seal of the intestinal wall.
    Cristina Palacios, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • According to one reviewer, its solid wood frame is comfortable and sturdy, and convenient for keeping coats, handbags, and other personal items.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Gently coat the mascara on your lashes and wait about 30 seconds before wearing a second coat.
    Celeste Polanco, Essence, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hide. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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