complete secrecy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complete secrecy" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which something is kept completely hidden from view or knowledge. For example, "The government promised complete secrecy when discussing the details of the new treaty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We had been sworn to complete secrecy.

The New York Times - Sports

When complete secrecy prevails, it is negated".

The Guardian - Opinion

Moreover, they operate in complete secrecy.

The New York Times

The group met, on and off, in almost complete secrecy for nearly four years.

The New York Times

Back when the state operated in almost complete secrecy, it could easily resist these demands.

The New York Times

On 9 November, Yanukovych visited Putin in Moscow, a trip made in almost complete secrecy.

The Guardian

It is even harder to understand why this should be done in complete secrecy.

The Guardian - Opinion

An Atmosphere of Secrecy When it comes to projects like Krasnaya Polyana, Gazprom operates in almost complete secrecy.

The New York Times

"He operated in complete secrecy and made sure that there was a high degree of compartmentalisation around him," Yatom added.

The Guardian

Almost as an after-thought, the attorney general reminded the governor of the need for complete secrecy.

The Guardian

There are few if any due process rights granted to defendants, and the trials may occur in complete secrecy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complete secrecy", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being kept secret and why. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "complete secrecy" when partial or limited secrecy is intended. Be precise about the extent of confidentiality to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete secrecy" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe the state or condition of something being entirely hidden or confidential. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complete secrecy" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, denoting the absolute concealment of information. Ludwig confirms this through numerous examples across various domains, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives such as "total confidentiality" or "absolute discretion" offer subtle variations in meaning, "complete secrecy" effectively conveys the idea of something being entirely hidden from view or knowledge. To ensure clarity, it's important to specify what is being kept secret when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

total confidentiality

Emphasizes the confidentiality aspect, focusing on protecting sensitive information.

strict confidentiality

Stresses the rigorous enforcement of keeping something private.

absolute discretion

Highlights the need for careful and cautious handling of information.

utter concealment

Focuses on the act of hiding something entirely from view.

full nondisclosure

Specifically refers to an agreement or situation where information cannot be revealed.

watertight security

Implies that there are no possible leaks of information.

classified information

Refers to information that is officially designated as secret.

under wraps

An idiomatic way of saying something is being kept secret.

deep cover

Used more in the context of espionage or undercover operations.

close protection

This relates more closely to protection of people not of information

FAQs

How can I use "complete secrecy" in a sentence?

You can use "complete secrecy" to describe situations where information is entirely concealed, such as "The negotiations were conducted in complete secrecy to prevent leaks to the press."

What are some alternatives to "complete secrecy"?

Alternatives include "total confidentiality", "absolute discretion", or "strict confidentiality", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What does "complete secrecy" imply?

"Complete secrecy" implies that something is being kept entirely hidden, with no information being shared or revealed to anyone outside a specific group.

Is "complete secrecy" always necessary or appropriate?

No, "complete secrecy" is not always necessary or appropriate. It should be used judiciously, as transparency may be more suitable in some situations. Consider whether the need for secrecy outweighs the benefits of openness.