# disclose

/dɪˈskɫoʊz/ (US) · /dɪsklˈəʊz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/disclose
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to reveal information

verb · CEFR B2 · Formal

to make something known that was secret or private.

For teachers: to make information known, especially that which has been kept secret or confidential.

- The company refused to disclose how much the CEO was paid last year.
- Under the new transparency laws, the bank is legally required to disclose all potential conflicts of interest to its clients before any contracts are signed.

Usage: This is a transitive verb that always requires a direct object, such as a fact, a name, or a document.

### 2. to physically uncover

verb · CEFR C2 · Literary

to uncover something so that it can be seen.

For teachers: to expose something to view by removing a cover or opening it up.

- As the fog cleared, the rising sun began to disclose the peaks of the mountains.
- The archaeologist carefully brushed away the sand to disclose the intricate mosaic floor that had been buried for centuries.

## Examples

- The company must disclose its profits every year.
- Under the new agreement, the celebrity was required to disclose any paid partnerships in her social media posts.
- The whistleblower refused to disclose the identity of his source, citing a moral obligation to protect those who had risked their careers to expose the truth.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.