disclose

/dɪsˈkləʊz/ · dis-KLOHZverb

Reveal or make information known, especially information previously hidden or private.

Use disclose to express this relationship precisely: reveal or make information known, especially information previously hidden or private.

What disclose Really Means

The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.

1

Core action

Reveal or make information known, especially information previously hidden or private.

Example

Researchers disclosed every source of funding.

2

Common construction

Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.

Example

The company refused to disclose the formula.

3

Reasoning effect

It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.

Example

Witnesses may disclose relevant facts without revealing private details.

Use disclose Naturally

Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.

Researchers disclosed every source of funding.

The company refused to disclose the formula.

Witnesses may disclose relevant facts without revealing private details.

Precision Matters

Disclose overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.

disclose

Means reveal or make information known, especially information previously hidden or private.

vs.
suppress

Means prevent, restrain, stop, or keep something from being expressed, revealed, or developing.

disclose

Means reveal or make information known, especially information previously hidden or private.

vs.
obfuscate

Means make an idea, issue, or statement unclear, confusing, or difficult to understand.

disclose

Means reveal or make information known, especially information previously hidden or private.

vs.
allude

Means refer to someone or something indirectly rather than naming or explaining it explicitly.

disclose

Means reveal or make information known, especially information previously hidden or private.

vs.
candor

Means the quality of being open, honest, and straightforward in speech or expression.

Test disclose in Context

They must openly reveal previously unstated information.

1

The journal requires authors to ___ any financial interest that might influence their conclusions.

Prepared byFirst Academy
Editorial responsibilityFirst Academy Academic Team
Updated3 August 2026
Selection and reviewRead our methodology