Hiding means keeping a person, thing, feeling, or fact out of sight. It can also mean staying in a place where others cannot find you.
Common synonyms for hiding include concealing, covering, masking, disguising, shielding, camouflaging, burying, stashing, secreting, veiling, cloaking, screening, suppressing, and obscuring. Students, writers, and daily speakers can use these words to make sentences clearer and more exact.
Concealing, covering, masking, disguising, camouflaging, shielding, screening, veiling, cloaking, shrouding, obscuring, burying, stashing, caching, secreting, hoarding, storing, tucking away, stowing away, squirreling away, locking away, suppressing, withholding, covering up, keeping secret, keeping out of sight, lying low, going underground, taking cover, and sheltering.
Parts of Speech
| Word | Part of Speech | Simple Meaning |
| Hiding | Noun / verb form | Keeping something out of sight |
| Concealing | Verb form | Keeping something secret or unseen |
| Covering | Verb form | Putting something over another thing |
| Masking | Verb form | Covering the real look or sound |
| Disguising | Verb form | Changing how something appears |
| Camouflaging | Verb form | Making something blend with its area |
| Shielding | Verb form | Protecting from view or harm |
| Screening | Verb form | Blocking sight or access |
| Veiling | Verb form | Covering partly or softly |
| Cloaking | Verb form | Covering completely |
| Shrouding | Verb form | Wrapping or covering heavily |
| Obscuring | Verb form | Making something hard to see |
| Burying | Verb form | Putting under ground or deep away |
| Stashing | Verb form | Putting something in a secret place |
| Caching | Verb form | Storing something for later use |
| Secreting | Verb form | Putting something in a hidden spot |
| Hoarding | Verb form | Keeping many things stored away |
| Storing | Verb form | Putting something in a place to keep it |
| Tucking away | Phrasal verb | Putting something in a small safe place |
| Stowing away | Phrasal verb | Putting something away neatly or secretly |
| Squirreling away | Phrasal verb | Saving or hiding something for later |
| Locking away | Phrasal verb | Putting something behind a lock |
| Suppressing | Verb form | Holding back information or feelings |
| Withholding | Verb form | Not giving information or help |
| Covering up | Phrasal verb | Trying to keep a mistake secret |
| Keeping secret | Verb phrase | Not telling other people |
| Keeping out of sight | Verb phrase | Making sure something cannot be seen |
| Lying low | Idiom | Staying quiet to avoid attention |
| Going underground | Idiom | Staying hidden from people |
| Taking cover | Idiom | Moving behind protection |
| Sheltering | Verb form | Giving cover or protection |
Synonyms
1. Concealing
Meaning: Concealing means keeping something from being seen or known.
Examples:
- He was concealing a gift behind his back.
- She was concealing her sadness from her friends.
2. Covering
Meaning: Covering means putting something over an object or area.
Examples:
- The mother was covering the baby with a blanket.
- He was covering the cake with foil.
3. Masking
Meaning: Masking means covering the real look, smell, or sound of something.
Examples:
- The paint was masking the old wall color.
- Perfume was masking the smell of smoke.
4. Disguising
Meaning: Disguising means changing the appearance of a person or thing.
Examples:
- The actor was disguising himself as an old man.
- She was disguising her voice on the phone.
5. Camouflaging
Meaning: Camouflaging means making something blend with its surroundings.
Examples:
- The soldier was camouflaging his tent with leaves.
- The lizard was camouflaging itself on the rock.
6. Shielding
Meaning: Shielding means protecting someone or something from view or danger.
Examples:
- She was shielding her eyes from the sun.
- He was shielding the child from the rain.
7. Screening
Meaning: Screening means blocking a view or keeping something apart.
Examples:
- Tall trees were screening the house from the road.
- A curtain was screening the changing area.
8. Veiling
Meaning: Veiling means covering something partly or softly.
Examples:
- Fog was veiling the hills.
- She was veiling her face with a scarf.
9. Cloaking
Meaning: Cloaking means covering something completely.
Examples:
- Night was cloaking the city.
- He was cloaking his plan in mystery.
10. Shrouding
Meaning: Shrouding means wrapping or covering something heavily.
Examples:
- Smoke was shrouding the building.
- Mist was shrouding the lake.
11. Obscuring
Meaning: Obscuring means making something difficult to see or understand.
Examples:
- Dust was obscuring the sign.
- His anger was obscuring his good judgment.
12. Burying
Meaning: Burying means putting something under the ground or deep away.
Examples:
- The dog was burying its bone in the garden.
- They were burying the time capsule near the tree.
13. Stashing
Meaning: Stashing means putting something in a secret place.
Examples:
- He was stashing money under his bed.
- She was stashing snacks in her bag.
14. Caching
Meaning: Caching means storing supplies in a hidden place for later.
Examples:
- The hikers were caching food along the trail.
- The squirrels were caching nuts for winter.
15. Secreting
Meaning: Secreting means placing something in a hidden spot.
Examples:
- She was secreting the letter inside a book.
- He was secreting the key beneath a stone.
16. Hoarding
Meaning: Hoarding means keeping a large amount of something stored away.
Examples:
- He was hoarding old newspapers in the garage.
- She was hoarding supplies before the storm.
17. Storing
Meaning: Storing means putting something in a place to keep it safe.
Examples:
- They were storing winter clothes in boxes.
- The library was storing old books downstairs.
18. Tucking away
Meaning: Tucking away means putting something in a small, safe place.
Examples:
- She was tucking away her savings in a jar.
- He was tucking away the toys after playtime.
19. Stowing away
Meaning: Stowing away means putting something away neatly or secretly.
Examples:
- The sailor was stowing away the ropes.
- She was stowing away her passport in her suitcase.
20. Squirreling away
Meaning: Squirreling away means saving or hiding something for future use.
Examples:
- He was squirreling away coins in a tin.
- She was squirreling away notes for the exam.
21. Locking away
Meaning: Locking away means putting something in a locked place.
Examples:
- The manager was locking away the important files.
- They were locking away the medicine cabinet.
22. Suppressing
Meaning: Suppressing means holding back feelings, facts, or information.
Examples:
- He was suppressing a laugh during class.
- The report was suppressing key details.
23. Withholding
Meaning: Withholding means choosing not to give information or something needed.
Examples:
- She was withholding the name of the winner.
- He was withholding his opinion from the group.
24. Covering up
Meaning: Covering up means trying to keep a mistake or wrongdoing secret.
Examples:
- The clerk was covering up the missing money.
- They were covering up the broken window with a poster.
25. Keeping secret
Meaning: Keeping secret means not telling other people about something.
Examples:
- She was keeping the party a secret.
- He was keeping his plans secret from his classmates.
26. Keeping out of sight
Meaning: Keeping out of sight means making sure something cannot be seen.
Examples:
- The cat was keeping out of sight under the sofa.
- He was keeping the broken toy out of sight.
27. Lying low
Meaning: Lying low means staying quiet to avoid attention.
Examples:
- After the argument, he was lying low for a week.
- The team was lying low before the final match.
28. Going underground
Meaning: Going underground means staying hidden from people who may look for you.
Examples:
- The character was going underground after the warning.
- The group was going underground to avoid reporters.
29. Taking cover
Meaning: Taking cover means moving behind something for protection.
Examples:
- The children were taking cover during the rain.
- The players were taking cover behind the wall.
30. Sheltering
Meaning: Sheltering means giving cover or protection to someone or something.
Examples:
- The cave was sheltering the travelers from the storm.
- She was sheltering the puppy from the cold wind.
Antonyms of Hiding
- Showing
- Revealing
- Exposing
- Displaying
- Uncovering
- Unmasking
- Announcing
- Sharing
- Publishing
- Opening
When to Use Which Synonym
| Synonym | Best Used When | Example Situation |
| Concealing | Describing secrets or unseen things | “He was concealing his surprise.” |
| Covering | Describing a physical cover | “She was covering the pot.” |
| Disguising | Describing a changed appearance | “He was disguising his handwriting.” |
| Camouflaging | Describing blending with surroundings | “The hunter was camouflaging his tent.” |
| Shielding | Describing protection | “She was shielding the child from wind.” |
| Stashing | Describing a secret storage spot | “He was stashing candy in his drawer.” |
| Suppressing | Describing feelings or facts | “She was suppressing her tears.” |
| Withholding | Describing information not shared | “The office was withholding the report.” |
| Lying low | Describing a person avoiding attention | “He was lying low after the news.” |
| Taking cover | Describing protection from danger | “They were taking cover from the hail.” |
Affixation Pattern
| Part | Word Part | Meaning |
| Root | hide | To put out of sight |
| Prefix | None | — |
| Suffix | -ing | Action or state |
Hiding comes from the verb hide plus the suffix -ing. The word describes the act of concealment or the state of being concealed.
Word Formation
- Hide (verb)
- Hides (verb form)
- Hid (past tense)
- Hidden (past participle)
- Hiding (noun / present participle)
- Hider (noun)
- Hiding place (noun phrase)
- US Pronunciation: HY-ding
- UK Pronunciation: HY-ding
- Number of Syllables: 2
The pronunciation is /ˈhaɪ.dɪŋ/ in both US and UK English.
Prototype Meaning
When people hear hiding, they often picture someone moving behind a door, tree, curtain, or large object. The person wants to avoid being seen. A child may hide during a game. A frightened animal may hide under a bush. A person may hide a gift before a birthday. The word does not always mean dishonesty. It can simply mean safety, surprise, privacy, or play.
Prototype Categorization
- Physical concealment: covering, veiling, cloaking, shrouding, screening
- Secret storage: stashing, caching, storing, tucking away, stowing away
- Changed appearance: masking, disguising, camouflaging
- Protection: shielding, sheltering, taking cover
- Information control: suppressing, withholding, keeping secret, covering up
- Avoiding attention: lying low, going underground, keeping out of sight
Grouping helps writers select a precise word. A story about a lost key may need “stashing,” while a story about a shy child may need “keeping out of sight.”
Common Usage Mistakes
- Do not use hiding when you mean hiding place; a hiding place is the location.
- Do not say “hiding from the truth” when you mean “hiding the truth.”
- Do not use camouflaging for feelings; it usually describes appearance.
- Do not use burying for papers in a drawer unless the meaning is figurative.
- Do not confuse shielding with hiding; shielding often means protection.
- Do not use suppressing for objects; it usually describes feelings, facts, or information.
- Do not use withholding for physical objects in everyday speech; it usually refers to information, payment, or help.
FAQ
What is another word for hiding something?
Use concealing, covering, stashing, or masking. Choose the word that matches the object and reason.
What can I say instead of “hide”?
You can say conceal, cover, mask, disguise, stash, or shield. Each word has a slightly different use.
What is another way to say “in hiding”?
Say out of sight, lying low, underground, or in concealment. These phrases show that a person is avoiding being found.
What is a fancy word for “hide”?
Conceal is a formal word for hide. Secrete is even more formal and often used in writing.
What is another word for hiding away?
Use stashing away, tucking away, stowing away, or squirreling away. These phrases suggest putting something in a safe or secret spot.
What are synonyms for hiding the truth?
Use concealing the truth, withholding information, covering up facts, or keeping something secret. These phrases fit honest, serious writing.
What is a synonym for hiding place?
Use refuge, shelter, safe spot, secret spot, or concealment. A hiding place is where a person or thing stays unseen.
What is “hiding in plain sight”?
It means being visible while remaining unnoticed. A close synonym is blending in or remaining unnoticed.
Topic Quiz
- Which word means keeping something from being seen or known?
A. Displaying
B. Concealing
C. Revealing
D. Announcing - Which word means making something blend with its surroundings?
A. Camouflaging
B. Sharing
C. Publishing
D. Showing - Which phrase means staying quiet to avoid attention?
A. Taking cover
B. Lying low
C. Storing away
D. Locking away - Which word means choosing not to give information?
A. Sheltering
B. Masking
C. Withholding
D. Screening - Which word means giving cover or protection?
A. Hoarding
B. Sheltering
C. Suppressing
D. Obscuring - (B)
- (A)
- (B)
- (C)
- (B)
Conclusion
Hiding can describe play, safety, privacy, secrets, or protection. The best synonym depends on what is hidden and why.
Use concealing for secrets, camouflaging for appearance, stashing for storage, and shielding for protection. Strong word choice makes writing more exact.
Try using one new synonym today. A small change can make your sentence clearer and more interesting.
Mustansar Abbas is the author and founder of Linknoria.com, where he writes practical, well-researched guides on technology, productivity, and digital tools to help readers make smarter, more informed decisions.
