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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 secretive
The Oscar-winning 2024 movie, which explores the secretive process of selecting a new pope, has seen a surge in viewership following the pontiff's death.
—
Doc Louallen, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2025
Julius’s secretive couplings with a Latino gambler (Diego Calva) are discreet, never sensual like Hernández’s nude compositions.
—Armond White, National Review, 25 Apr. 2025
Although the story is fictional, the movie does offer some insight into the highly secretive voting process the Roman Catholic Church utilizes to choose a new pontiff.
—Jade Walker, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2025
The next pope will be selected during conclave, a secretive gathering of cardinals from all over the world.
—Nia Dumas, NPR, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for secretive
Doc Louallen, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2025
Julius’s secretive couplings with a Latino gambler (Diego Calva) are discreet, never sensual like Hernández’s nude compositions.
—Armond White, National Review, 25 Apr. 2025
Although the story is fictional, the movie does offer some insight into the highly secretive voting process the Roman Catholic Church utilizes to choose a new pontiff.
—Jade Walker, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2025
The next pope will be selected during conclave, a secretive gathering of cardinals from all over the world.
—Nia Dumas, NPR, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for secretive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secretive
Adjective
-
But that learning curve can be steep, isolating and — too often — silent.—
Yolanda Wiggins,
Mercury News,
24 Apr. 2025
-
The trick now is knowing where to go and which Muay Thai boxing schools, silent monasteries, or health spas to choose.—
Lee Cobaj,
Robb Report,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
As season three continues, the quiet part is said out loud.—
Cyndy Etler,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2025
-
In the rich and frequently chaotic history of Marseille, there can have been fewer more apt demonstrations of the club’s inherent tendency towards turbulence than the decision to head to Rome for some peace and quiet in the same week as the death of the Pope.—
Tom Williams,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Melania Trump wears black veil to Pope Francis' funeral as President Trump dons blue suit As the president's second term in office passes the 100-day mark, here is a closer look at the first lady's lookbook.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2025
-
His close alignment with Trump has damaged his tech company brands, and despite being one of the most proactive members of the president's team, his job approval rating has been ranked as even lower than Trump's.—
Mohammed Soliman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
But the mayor was reticent Friday, saying safety could be achieved without an outright ban on non-essential helicopter travel.—
Chris Sommerfeldt,
New York Daily News,
11 Apr. 2025
-
Unlike Molly, who's politely reticent and reluctant to speak up for herself, Nikki can't resist expressing her anger and sorrow—or, more precisely, dramatizing them for whatever audience of oncologists happens to be in range.—
Dory Jackson,
People.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Some supporters felt their club had become too corporate, too cold and too uncommunicative.—
Greg O'Keeffe,
The Athletic,
20 Dec. 2024
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Infused with glutathione, vitamin C, and niacinamide, they’re formulated to brighten hyperpigmentation and dark spots, all while improving uneven skin tone and reviving dull skin.—
Denise Primbet,
Glamour,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Shows this dark need moments of beauty, and this episode provided those in spades.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Secretive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secretive. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share