screen 1 of 2

noun

ˈskrēn How to pronounce screen (audio)
Definition of screennext
1
as in film
the art or business of making a movie he was a star of both stage and screen

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in defense
means or method of defending the target will be difficult to reach as it is behind a screen of anti-aircraft batteries

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

screen

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to protect
to drive danger or attack away from attack helicopters were called in to help screen the troops from further attacks

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to hide
to keep secret or shut off from view bushes screened the swimming pool from passersby on the street

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to filter
to pass through a filter you should screen the cooking oil to remove impurities

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to cover
to place a protective layer over screened his eyes with his hand to block the sun

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word screen distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of screen are bury, conceal, hide, and secrete. While all these words mean "to withhold or withdraw from sight," screen implies an interposing of something that prevents discovery.

a house screened by trees

When would bury be a good substitute for screen?

The synonyms bury and screen are sometimes interchangeable, but bury implies covering up so as to hide completely.

buried the treasure

When might conceal be a better fit than screen?

The words conceal and screen can be used in similar contexts, but conceal usually does imply intent and often specifically implies a refusal to divulge.

concealed the weapon

When could hide be used to replace screen?

The meanings of hide and screen largely overlap; however, hide may or may not suggest intent.

hide in the closet
a house hidden in the woods

Where would secrete be a reasonable alternative to screen?

While in some cases nearly identical to screen, secrete suggests a depositing in a place unknown to others.

secreted the amulet inside his shirt

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of screen
Noun
Cohen Media Group is out with Winter Of The Crow starring Lesley Manville in 30+ markets and 63 screens, a mix of AMCs, Landmarks and arthouses. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2026 And at Mugler, the mood was set before the first look appeared, with screens beaming erotic footage that included mating snails, sweaty skin, a woman’s tongue and two people kissing. — Amy Francombe, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
Royal romance will be in the air at MIPCOM, with Queen Silvia set for a world premiere screening in Cannes’ Grand Auditorium. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026 The researchers will design and screen thousands of protein variants before scaling up the most promising candidates for membrane manufacturing and testing. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for screen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for screen
  1. film
  2. defense
  3. protect
  4. hide
  5. filter
  6. cover
  7. movie
  8. wall
Noun
  • Researchers are now chasing even easier formats, including oral dissolving films, sometimes called thin films or sublingual films, that dissolve in the mouth and release medication without any injection.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Bird has concerns, particularly around the build-up of power around technological advancements, which push the film into surprising and exciting dystopian directions.
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of film
Noun
  • Denmark's defense intelligence service specifically warned Russia could use such tactics to split the NATO alliance.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Against Henderson, the Dodgers took advantage of mistakes by the Brewers’ usually fundamentally sound defense to score four runs against him, only two of which were earned.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of defense
Verb
  • In yet another battle between the states and social media platforms, Florida asked a state judge to order changes on Instagram and Facebook in an effort to protect young users.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Their bid to change their lives turns into a dangerous chase, and the friendship becomes the one thing protecting them.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of protect
Verb
  • Rhys-Davies is the archangel Raphael, who hides the star’s light inside her heart, and Boneta is Joshua, a stranger with a difficult history who goes on the run with her.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Measure your numbers, work with a clinician and stop treating hormone health as something to hide.
    — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of hide
Verb
  • Their personal lives are often showcased in a way that’s entirely filtered through the entertainment company’s lens.
    — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Techniques popular in Ukraine and surrounding countries have steadily filtered into the rest of Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with salons all over the world now offering Ukrainian-style manicures.
    — Lucy Abbersteen, Allure, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of filter
Verb
  • In the bathrooms, neutral stone covers floors and bathtubs, and the lighting and mirrors are notably flattering.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The route is expected to come into service next summer, albeit using slower trains that won’t cover the planned 316 miles.
    — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of cover
Noun
  • In my opinion, every good movie that enters the German market helps the German market, and the theatrical market in general.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Critics also widely embraced the movie, which is seen as a top contender at the Oscars.
    — Brent Lang, IndieWire, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of movie
Noun
  • The third suspect acknowledged receiving the paintings at his home and hiding them behind a wall built beneath a staircase after the theft.
    — SYLVIE CORBET, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Simon took the campy photographs in the same Hilton hotel where Moore’s children awaited their mother, and the images make up what the wall text calls a MooreWrap cruise-collection look book.
    — Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of wall

Phrases Containing screen

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screeching
screen
screened
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Cite this Entry

“Screen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/screen. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on screen

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about screen

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