utmost secrecy

USAGE SUMMARY

'utmost secrecy' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that requires the highest level of confidentiality, or when referring to a situation in which the maximum level of secrecy is required. For example: Tom promised the group that he would maintain the utmost secrecy about their plan.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Indeed, the Trike was treated with utmost secrecy.

The New York Times

In fact, he hoarded them with the utmost secrecy lest lesser rivals steal his ideas.

Independent

The show was prepared in the utmost secrecy for Sunday night.

The New York Times

Operating, as they do, in utmost secrecy, until now little has been revealed of their endeavors.

The New Yorker

Not even my doctors know, because the whole donor business is conducted in the utmost secrecy.

Independent

"We have to do everything with utmost secrecy or we will be gone.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

They will hear, for example, that instead of reporting clerical abusers to the police, the Vatican deals with them "under canon law", which demands "utmost 'pontifical' secrecy", "moving them to parishes and other countries and letting them off with admonitions and unenforceable 'penances'".

The Guardian - Opinion

Developed in the utmost of secrecy?

TechCrunch

Please receive it, inform his father of his fate and hand him the above certificate with utmost calm and secrecy.

The New York Times

Facilitating their escape was achieved using utmost sensitivity and secrecy and with the safety of the women as our primary concern.

The Guardian

When the three of them walked free from the house to the safety of waiting police officers in late October, at the conclusion of an operation planned with "utmost sensitivity and secrecy", there were cheers at Freedom Charity.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "utmost secrecy", ensure the context clearly indicates who is maintaining the secrecy and why it is necessary. For example, "The operation was planned with "utmost secrecy" to prevent leaks to the press".

Common error

Avoid using "utmost secrecy" in everyday situations where a less formal term like "privacy" or "confidentiality" would suffice. Overusing formal language can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utmost secrecy" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a state or condition. It signifies the highest degree of confidentiality or concealment, indicating that information or activities are to be kept completely private. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utmost secrecy" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that describes the highest level of confidentiality. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is frequently employed in news and media, as well as formal business contexts, to underscore the importance of keeping information private. While alternatives like "absolute confidentiality" and "complete discretion" exist, "utmost secrecy" conveys a specific emphasis on the critical need for concealment. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants such a high degree of confidentiality and avoid overuse in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolute confidentiality

Emphasizes the inviolable nature of the secret.

strict confidence

Focuses on the firmness and reliability of the secrecy.

complete discretion

Highlights the need for careful and circumspect handling of information.

total concealment

Emphasizes the act of hiding information completely.

under wraps

Indicates that something is being kept secret until a specific time.

deepest cover

Suggests a more elaborate and potentially deceptive form of secrecy.

highest classification

Refers to a formal level of secrecy, often in governmental or organizational contexts.

behind closed doors

Indicates privacy and that something is being kept from the public eye.

closemouthedness

Implies a deliberate refusal to divulge information.

veil of silence

Suggests a collective or imposed secrecy.

FAQs

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

You can use "utmost secrecy" to describe situations where information must be kept highly confidential. For instance, "The negotiations were conducted with the "utmost secrecy" to avoid interference."

What are some alternatives to saying "utmost secrecy"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "absolute confidentiality", "complete discretion", or "strict confidence" as alternatives to "utmost secrecy".

Is it redundant to say "utmost and complete secrecy"?

While both "utmost" and "complete" emphasize a high degree of secrecy, using them together can be redundant. It's generally better to choose one or the other for clearer writing. "Utmost secrecy" or "complete secrecy" are both sufficient.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "utmost secrecy"?

The phrase "utmost secrecy" is most appropriate when describing situations that demand a high level of confidentiality, especially where security, privacy, or strategic advantage is at stake. It's often used in legal, governmental, or business contexts.