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 rocket was carrying the secretive NROL-69 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).
—
Robert Lea, Space.com, 25 Mar. 2025
Those who violated these laws had reason to fear serious consequences, including prosecution and the penalty of watching secretive deals unwound in the light of public condemnation.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2025
Now, however, the spy agencies are switching back to a more secretive mode.
—Andrei Soldatov, Foreign Affairs, 20 Mar. 2025
The 10-episode History channel series premieres on Friday, April 4, and reveals the latest evidence behind some of the government’s most secretive and surprising activities that have been declassified throughout history.
—Dana Rose Falcone, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for secretive
Robert Lea, Space.com, 25 Mar. 2025
Those who violated these laws had reason to fear serious consequences, including prosecution and the penalty of watching secretive deals unwound in the light of public condemnation.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2025
Now, however, the spy agencies are switching back to a more secretive mode.
—Andrei Soldatov, Foreign Affairs, 20 Mar. 2025
The 10-episode History channel series premieres on Friday, April 4, and reveals the latest evidence behind some of the government’s most secretive and surprising activities that have been declassified throughout history.
—Dana Rose Falcone, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for secretive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secretive
Adjective
-
So far, the ESA has been silent on Trump excluding video game consoles from his tariff exemptions.—
Michael Kan,
PC Magazine,
14 Apr. 2025
-
The Taliban are also silent on the other restrictions and whether there is any chance of removing them.—
Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab,
Forbes.com,
13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Today By Paulina Berges Nestled within Okazaki on a quiet residential road, Shinsho-an feels more like a private home than a hotel.—
Christina Liao,
Vogue,
15 Apr. 2025
-
And in a culture that often asks women to go faster, do more, and present themselves perfectly, the act of cooking something small and lovely—just because—is its own quiet form of resistance.—
Stephanie Gravalese,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
And Amanda Marsalis and April Blair are some of my closest friends now.—
Jessica Radloff,
Glamour,
17 Apr. 2025
-
The new Charlotte Knights’ manager pitched for four MLB teams from 2010 to 2015, recording 30 saves as the closer for the Chicago White Sox in 2011.—
Shane Connuck,
Charlotte Observer,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Legend in the making: Kelsie Domer of Dublin On the other end of the competitor spectrum is Kelsie Domer, a breakaway roper who is reticent to make brash predictions, but whose résumé speaks for itself.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Apr. 2025
-
And in the absence of a crisis, Washington’s partners will likely be reticent to join in.—
Stephen G. Brooks,
Foreign Affairs,
20 Feb. 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
-
Editor’s tip: Niacinamide is a multitasker that blurs the look of dark spots, evens your skin tone, and balances your complexion.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
15 Apr. 2025
-
And so by some sociologists, camp is thought to be this form of dark humor serving as a coping mechanism to historical marginalization.—
Sam Reed,
Glamour,
15 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Secretive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secretive. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share