as in silent
given to keeping one's activities hidden from public observation or knowledge
the intelligence agency remained secretive despite the media's demands for more openness in government
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Recent Examples of secretive
The cellulose-like compounds found in roach wings have drawn attention for their potential cosmetic benefits, though this practice remains largely niche and secretive even today.
—
Scott Travers, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
Officials in the Trump administration remain secretive on the president's push for government overhaul.
—Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025
Augusta, which is secretive about its membership roster, didn’t admit its first Black member until 1990.
—Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
Many liberals and progressives were happy enough to get rid of the Communists, who had always been secretive, dogmatic, and, in general, hard to deal with.
—Beverly Gage, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for secretive
Scott Travers, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
Officials in the Trump administration remain secretive on the president's push for government overhaul.
—Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025
Augusta, which is secretive about its membership roster, didn’t admit its first Black member until 1990.
—Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
Many liberals and progressives were happy enough to get rid of the Communists, who had always been secretive, dogmatic, and, in general, hard to deal with.
—Beverly Gage, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for secretive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secretive
Adjective
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While the Kardashians have remained publicly silent in response to his latest outburst, Ye’s ongoing battle with his former in-laws continues to play out in the public eye.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
2 Apr. 2025
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Musk was silent on his X platform in the wake of Crawford’s victory, reposting a message about Vietnam and tariffs but nothing on the Supreme Court contest.—
Nicholas Riccardi,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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To that end, Rooney says that knowing when to talk and when to stay quiet is key.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
4 Apr. 2025
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Synonymous with quiet luxury, Jenni Kayne’s cropped cashmere cardigan is perfect for casual moments in beautiful places.—
Amy Louise Bailey,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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There are several international destinations where pickpocketing is extremely common, so having all of my essentials close is a priority.—
Jordyn Burrell,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Apr. 2025
-
The six-point halftime margin would be the closest Boise State would be to Nebraska for the rest of the game.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Over the past week, the answer from managers, recruitment staff, sporting and Academy directors has been mixed — critical, reticent and quietly hopeful.—
Michael Walker,
The Athletic,
20 Mar. 2025
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Just for the sake of inconsistency, there also are a slew of reticent sellers who believe that the bull market has lots more runway; as evidenced by a recent mini-burst of hostile takeover bids.—
Dan Primack,
Axios,
10 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Some supporters felt their club had become too corporate, too cold and too uncommunicative.—
Greg O'Keeffe,
The Athletic,
20 Dec. 2024
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Often, a less qualified candidate who displays high energy and eagerness can outshine a more qualified individual who appears disinterested and uncommunicative.—
Jack Kelly,
Forbes,
25 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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There’s also the closemouthed, menacing technician who lives on a houseboat and raises snakes; the actress first hired for the show’s leading part who dropped out of the role before shooting began; and the unknown burglar who fled the frightened player’s house.—
Tom Nolan,
WSJ,
23 Dec. 2022
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Hutton’s gaptoothed smile replaced the closemouthed gaze and white eyeliner of Vogue models of the 1960s.—
Washington Post,
Washington Post,
25 Dec. 2021
Adjective
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The Page Turner sees the Page family consumed by the literary world — each in their own way — as its dark, foundational secret runs the risk of exposure.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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While the app only went dark for a matter of a day or so in the U.S., it was removed from the Apple and Google app stores for weeks, because federal law could have seen Apple or Google penalized for distributing it.—
David Phelan,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Secretive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secretive. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.
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