secretive

adjective

ˈsē-krə-tiv How to pronounce secretive (audio)
Definition of secretivenext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word secretive distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of secretive are reserved, reticent, silent, and taciturn. While all these words mean "showing restraint in speaking," secretive, too, implies reticence but usually carries a suggestion of deviousness and lack of frankness or of an often ostentatious will to conceal.

the secretive research and development division

When is it sensible to use reserved instead of secretive?

While in some cases nearly identical to secretive, reserved implies reticence and suggests the restraining influence of caution or formality in checking easy informal conversational exchange.

greetings were brief, formal, and reserved

When can reticent be used instead of secretive?

The words reticent and secretive can be used in similar contexts, but reticent implies a reluctance to speak out or at length, especially about one's own affairs.

was reticent about his plans

When could silent be used to replace secretive?

The meanings of silent and secretive largely overlap; however, silent implies a habit of saying no more than is needed.

the strong, silent type

Where would taciturn be a reasonable alternative to secretive?

The synonyms taciturn and secretive are sometimes interchangeable, but taciturn implies a temperamental disinclination to speech and usually connotes unsociability.

taciturn villagers

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 call by the charities and NGOs was the latest sign of trouble for the foundation, a secretive U.S.- and Israeli-backed initiative headed by an evangelical leader who is a close ally of Trump. —Arkansas Online, 2 July 2025 Besides those aided by conductors in the secretive social network, many other freedom seekers traveled on their own. —Susan Degrane, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025 Over 100 Roman Catholic cardinals, including one from Ohio, will gather in the Sistine Chapel and begin the secretive voting process. —Alex Perry, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 Could one of the world’s most secretive nations be turning towards more international tourism? —Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for secretive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secretive
  1. silent
  2. quiet
  3. close
  4. reticent
  5. uncommunicative
  6. closemouthed
  7. dark
Adjective
  • Our tester noted that the sleep mode is almost completely silent, which is useful if your kid or their roommate is a light sleeper.
    — Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 19 July 2025
  • The rest of the Royals’ lineup remained silent as the Marlins earned a series victory with a 3-1 win at LoanDepot Park.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 19 July 2025
Definition of silent
Adjective
  • Sure, Texas has plenty of sleepy towns, dusty ranchland and quiet downtowns that rarely see a crowd.
    — Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 22 July 2025
  • This gives players a chance to play out some tender, quiet scenes in between the blades and the blood. iHunt Oftentimes, demon hunters are part of secretive organizations or bloodlines with thousand year histories.
    — Rob Wieland, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Definition of quiet
Adjective
  • Sonic internet plans: A guide Here's a closer look at Sonic internet offerings: Sonic Fusion Fiber 1 Gigabit Sonic's Fusion Fiber 1 GB plan is the slowest plan option, but speeds are still fast enough for high internet usage.
    — Kara McGinley, USA Today, 22 July 2025
  • This is a beautiful fish, much more colorful and brighter overall than its close cousin, the bluegill, which anglers love.
    — Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025
Definition of close
Adjective
  • The ‘big three’ countries of India, Australia and England have been reticent given that slipping into the lower bracket would scupper their money-making plans, with the trio wanting to play each other more often given the financial incentives.
    — Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • In New York, however, some local pols weren’t so reticent.
    — Ron Kampeas, Sun Sentinel, 2 July 2025
Definition of reticent
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
Definition of uncommunicative
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
Definition of closemouthed
Adjective
  • Transformed into a swan by the evil sorcerer Rothbart, Odette and Siegfried's love faces an impossible battle against dark forces.
    — Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 22 July 2025
  • Marvel tried to repeat this in May with Thunderbolts* which had a similarly dark theme.
    — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Definition of dark

Browse Nearby Words

secretion
secretive
secretively
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Cite this Entry

“Secretive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secretive. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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