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 Financial Times reported the secretive device may be palm-sized, without a screen.
—
Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025
While a few worlds in the Milky Way are believed to have liquid water hiding beneath a frozen surface, Enceladus isn't quite as secretive about its subterranean ocean.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
The first-look images show Scott (Crime, Vigil) as Caspian Lockett, the headmaster and leader of the secretive Crookhaven school; Keith Allen (Shallow Grave, Trainspotting) as Head of Security Erasmus Sisman and Claire Forlani (Meet Joe Black, In the Name of the King) as Caspian’s wife, Carmen.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025
It’s packed with details about the Hall of Fame’s ultra-secretive nominating process that has never before been shared with the public.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for secretive
Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025
While a few worlds in the Milky Way are believed to have liquid water hiding beneath a frozen surface, Enceladus isn't quite as secretive about its subterranean ocean.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
The first-look images show Scott (Crime, Vigil) as Caspian Lockett, the headmaster and leader of the secretive Crookhaven school; Keith Allen (Shallow Grave, Trainspotting) as Head of Security Erasmus Sisman and Claire Forlani (Meet Joe Black, In the Name of the King) as Caspian’s wife, Carmen.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025
It’s packed with details about the Hall of Fame’s ultra-secretive nominating process that has never before been shared with the public.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for secretive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secretive
Adjective
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Later, when Doyle comes into some mysterious bags of cash, and heads toward the mainland with a bottle of booze, a boat, and one last chance to go out in a blaze of self-immolation, Farrell manages to mix dread and adrenaline into every silent expression.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
14 Oct. 2025
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James Cook was kept relatively silent in this game with 87 yards on 17 carries.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Hours after the deal’s announcement, videos posted on social media by correspondents and Unicef spokesperson James Elder in Gaza showed a relatively quiet night sky, a rare occurrence in an enclave that has faced incessant bombardments for just over two years.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
9 Oct. 2025
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When Venus journeys through Virgo, affection looks like cooking a meal for someone, fixing what’s broken or showing up in quiet, consistent ways.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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What to Know For Dedication Night, a family member or close friend will join each celebrity for their dedication dance.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Oct. 2025
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The Andromeda Galaxy The Andromeda Galaxy lies almost directly overhead in the hours surrounding midnight on October nights, presenting a perfect opportunity to observe the Milky Way's closest neighbor without the atmospheric interference that comes from being close to the horizon.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Steve Tsang, director of SOAS University of London's China Institute, told Monday the statement showed that Beijing is no longer reticent in using its rare earths to assert itself.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
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He’s dominated in the faceoff circle, winning 24-of-35 draws, hasn’t been reticent to lower his shoulder (five hits in the season opener) and been an ever-present pest at the top of the crease in the offensive zone.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Whenever Conrad was at his most uncommunicative and avoidant, Jeremiah was waiting in the wings to offer uncomplicated affection and himbo charm.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Vulture,
17 Sep. 2025
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Throughout the show, Conrad is forgiven by fans for being uncommunicative and avoidant.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA Today,
29 Aug. 2025
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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Kennedy sought the advice of doctors after dealing with severe memory loss and brain fog, reportedly leading to a scan of his brain that showed a dark spot in the imagery.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
15 Oct. 2025
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Instantly, her apartment faded away, to be replaced by a dark void.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Secretive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secretive. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
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