Phrase guide

let on

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see let, on.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • The bus is full now. I can't let any more people on.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

to reveal or indicate, especially unintentionally or against one's wishes

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • I tried not to let on that I had already guessed the answer.
  • He's more self-centered than he lets on.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

make known to the public information that was previously known only to a few people or that was meant to be kept a secret

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • The auction house would not disclose the price at which the van Gogh had sold
  • The actress won't reveal how old she is
  • bring out the truth
  • he broke the news to her
  • unwrap the evidence in the murder case

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: unwrap, disclose, bring out, reveal, discover, expose, divulge, break, give away, let out

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: tell

Narrower terms: blackwash, muckrake, blow, out, come out of the closet, come out, spring, betray, bewray, confide, leak, spill the beans, let the cat out of the bag, talk, tattle, blab, peach, babble, sing, babble out, blab out, reveal

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.