conceal
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/kənˈsiːl/
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Keeping something unseen or unknown, from physical cover to the deliberate withholding of facts, identity, intentions, or feelings.
Examples
A calm voice concealed how nervous he felt.
She conceals the spare key beneath a stone.
Fog concealed the cliffs until the boat was close.
She concealed her identity during the interview.
He could not conceal his disappointment.
Similar words
cover
cover up
veil
suppress
hide
mask
hide
keep back
withhold
secrete
Meanings
Examples
A loose panel concealed the safe behind the bookcase.
Tall grass concealed the path from the road.
She conceals the spare key beneath a stone.
The coat was long enough to conceal the stain.
Fog concealed the cliffs until the boat was close.
The stage lights concealed the wires above the set.
Similar words
hide
cover
screen
mask
veil
obscure
camouflage
shroud
Examples
The company tried to conceal its losses from investors.
He could not conceal his disappointment.
The witness concealed important details from the police.
She concealed her identity during the interview.
Officials were accused of concealing the risk.
A calm voice concealed how nervous he felt.
Similar words
hide
suppress
withhold
mask
disguise
cover up
keep back
secrete
Etymology
From Anglo-French and Old French conceler, from Latin concēlāre, formed from com- and cēlāre, “to hide.”
FAQ
Conceal means to keep something from being seen or known.
Is conceal the same as hide?
Hide is broader and more everyday. Conceal often sounds more deliberate, careful, or formal.
Can conceal describe emotions?
Yes. A person can conceal anger, disappointment, fear, or another feeling.
What preposition follows conceal?
From names the person kept unaware, as in conceal the facts from the public.
What is the past tense of conceal?
The past tense and past participle are concealed.
Where does conceal come from?
It comes through French from Latin concēlāre, built on cēlāre, meaning “to hide.”
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