stash
4 synonyms for stash, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To put something away safely or secretly, meaning to use later.
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.
hoard
secret store
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To put something away safely or secretly, meaning to use later.
“He stashed some cash under the mattress for emergencies.”
How to use stash
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
stash away
secret stash
drug stash
Casual/informal in tone, often used for anything from snacks to money to illegal drugs.
Etymology
Origin uncertain — possibly a blend of stow and cache, or of stick and cache.
Full origin of stash →Frequently asked questions
What does “stash” mean?
The word “stash” means to put something away safely or secretly, meaning to use later. In plain terms, to hide something away for later, or the hidden collection itself.
How do you pronounce “stash”?
“Stash” is pronounced stash (/stæʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “stash” in a sentence?
Here is “stash” used in a sentence: “He stashed some cash under the mattress for emergencies.”
What part of speech is “stash”?
Depending on how it is used, “stash” can be a verb and a noun.
Is “stash” a common word?
“Stash” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “stash” have?
“Stash” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to put something away safely or secretly, meaning to use later.
What is the difference between stash and hide?
Stash implies putting something away safely or secretly with the specific intention of using it later, while hide simply means concealing something from view without necessarily implying future use. You might hide a gift so someone doesn't see it, but you stash snacks specifically so you can enjoy them later.
What is the difference between a stash and a stockpile?
A stash is typically a hidden or private collection kept for later use, often implying secrecy, while a stockpile is a larger, more openly accumulated supply kept in reserve without necessarily being hidden. Stash carries a more informal, personal, and often secretive tone than stockpile.
Is stash an informal word?
Yes, stash is generally used in informal, everyday speech rather than formal writing, both as a verb meaning to put something away secretly and as a noun for a hidden collection.
