closeted

adjective

clos·​et·​ed ˈklä-zə-təd How to pronounce closeted (audio)
ˈklȯ-
Synonyms of closetednext
: closet entry 3 sense 3
a closeted gay man

Examples of closeted in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Arnaud now plays Scott Hunter, a closeted American hockey player and the captain of the New York Admirals. Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Dec. 2025 The smutty gay hockey show is largely about closeted athletes Ilya (Connor Storrie) and Shane (Hudson Williams), but at the end of episode five, the series’ secondary couple goes public. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025 Miles Heizer starred as Cameron Cope, a disillusioned, closeted ‘90s teen who signs up for the Marine Corps with his best friend Ray McAffey, played by Liam Oh. Michael Schneider, Variety, 17 Dec. 2025 The relationship mirrors the romance between lead characters Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, two closeted ice hockey players from rival teams. Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 8 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for closeted

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of closeted was in 1969

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Cite this Entry

“Closeted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/closeted. Accessed 24 Dec. 2025.

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