hide
16 synonyms and 0 antonyms for hide, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To put something, or oneself, somewhere out of sight or hard to find.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use hide
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English "hydan" ("to hide, conceal, preserve"), ultimately from a root meaning "to cover" — the same root that gives us "hoard," "hut," and "sky."
Full origin of hide →Frequently asked questions
What does “hide” mean?
The word “hide” means to put something, or oneself, somewhere out of sight or hard to find. In plain terms, to conceal something or yourself — or, as a noun, an animal's skin, or a shelter for watching wildlife.
How do you pronounce “hide”?
“Hide” is pronounced hyd (/haɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “hide” in a sentence?
Here is “hide” used in a sentence: “The cowboy boots were made from tough cowhide.”
What part of speech is “hide”?
Depending on how it is used, “hide” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “hide” come from?
The word “hide” comes from Old English. From Old English "hydan" ("to hide, conceal, preserve"), ultimately from a root meaning "to cover" — the same root that gives us "hoard," "hut," and "sky.".
Is “hide” a common word?
“Hide” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “hide” have?
“Hide” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to put something, or oneself, somewhere out of sight or hard to find.
What is the difference between hide and conceal?
Both mean to keep something out of sight, and they overlap heavily. 'Hide' is the everyday word and can be physical or personal — hide the keys, hide from someone. 'Conceal' is slightly more formal and often deliberate or secretive, as in concealing evidence or a concealed weapon.
What is the past tense of hide?
The past tense is 'hid' — she hid the letter — and the past participle is 'hidden' — it had been hidden. 'Hided' is incorrect. Note that 'hide' is also a separate noun meaning an animal's skin or leather, which is unrelated to the verb meaning to conceal.
What is the opposite of hide?
Common opposites include reveal, show, expose, display, and uncover. Where 'hide' puts something out of sight, these words bring it into view. 'Reveal' and 'show' are the most natural everyday antonyms, while 'expose' suggests uncovering something that was meant to stay concealed.
Can you hide your feelings?
Yes. 'Hide' is often used figuratively for emotions and information, not just objects — hiding your disappointment, hiding the truth, or hiding your intentions. In this sense it means keeping something from being noticed or known, rather than physically placing an object somewhere out of sight.