GRE Words for Secret and Hidden

These 9 GRE words all share the meaning of secret and hidden. Studying them as one cluster is far more efficient than learning each in isolation, because the GRE tests words by how they relate to each other. Each entry below links to a full definition page with example sentences and memory hooks.

Why this cluster matters

On Sentence Equivalence you must choose two words that give the sentence the same meaning. That means the answer is almost always a synonym pair pulled from a cluster like this one. Watch the connotation tone on each word: a positive and a negative word rarely form a correct pair, even when their definitions look close.

The 9 words

clandestineadjectiveNegative tone

Kept secret or done secretively, especially because illicit

covertadjectiveNeutral tone

Not openly acknowledged or displayed; secret

crypticadjectiveNeutral tone

Having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure

furtiveadjectiveNegative tone

Attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble

shroudedadjectiveNeutral tone

Covered or enveloped so as to conceal from view

stealthyadjectiveNeutral tone

Behaving or done in a cautious and surreptitious manner

surreptitiousadjectiveNegative tone

Kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of

underhandedadjectiveNegative tone

Acting or done in a secret or dishonest way

veiledadjectiveNegative tone

Partially concealed or disguised

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