top secret

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "top secret" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something confidential that is not intended to be shared or known publicly. For example, "The plans for the new project are top secret."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Top Secret.

Yale University

Top secret!

Princeton University

"Top secret," I said.

The New Yorker

"It's all top secret".

The New York Times

They are top secret".

The New Yorker

"Top secret," he said.

The New York Times

"Top secret," Fox said.

The New York Times

It's top secret".

The New York Times

It was also top secret.

The New Yorker

Top Secret and Strictly Restricted.

Independent

"That's top secret," she says.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When designating information as "top secret", ensure that access is strictly controlled and limited to individuals with the appropriate security clearance.

Common error

Avoid labeling routine or unimportant information as "top secret". Reserve this classification for matters of utmost sensitivity to maintain its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "top secret" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns like 'information', 'documents', or 'plans' to denote the highest level of confidentiality and sensitivity. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used to emphasize the critical importance of keeping certain information secure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "top secret" is an adjective phrase denoting the highest level of confidentiality. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it’s very commonly used across various contexts, especially in news and media. The phrase primarily functions to classify information that requires the utmost security, with synonyms including "highly confidential" and "classified information". It's important to reserve the use of "top secret" for information of utmost sensitivity, avoiding overuse for minor confidentiality. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase’s proper usage, further emphasizing its importance in security and information control.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly confidential

Emphasizes the sensitivity and restricted access to information.

classified information

Specifically refers to information that has been officially categorized as secret.

strictly confidential

Highlights the importance of maintaining secrecy and preventing disclosure.

off the record

Indicates that information is not meant to be formally documented or publicly disclosed.

eyes only

Specifies that the information is intended for a very limited audience.

secret

A more general term indicating something not meant to be known publicly.

under wraps

Suggests that something is being kept hidden or concealed.

private

Indicates that information is intended for personal or restricted use.

hush-hush

Informal way of saying something is highly secretive.

in confidence

Indicates that information is being shared with the understanding that it will not be disclosed to others.

FAQs

How is "top secret" used in a sentence?

"Top secret" is used to classify information that requires the highest level of security. For example, "The documents were labeled "top secret" and kept under strict security."

What are synonyms for "top secret"?

Synonyms for "top secret" include "highly confidential", "classified information", and "strictly confidential", all indicating a high degree of sensitivity.

When should I use "top secret" versus "confidential"?

"Top secret" should be reserved for information that could cause exceptionally grave damage to national security if disclosed. "Confidential" is used for less sensitive information where unauthorized disclosure would be undesirable but not critically damaging.

What is the difference between "secret" and "top secret"?

"Secret" indicates information that should not be revealed, while "top secret" denotes the highest level of classification, reserved for the most sensitive information that could cause severe damage if compromised.