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
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Meanwhile, the return of Marius (Sule Thelwell), the boys’ fourth roommate and Q’s secret closeted ex-fling, throws a wrench in Kitty’s plans and Q’s romance with his boyfriend Jin (Joshua Hyunho Lee). Arushi Jacob, Variety, 2 Apr. 2026 In the show, breakout stars Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams play closeted rival hockey players who keep their romance a secret. Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026 Otherwise, they’re slightly closeted little animals. Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 3 Mar. 2026 Meanwhile, over years of random, closeted and compulsive encounters, Shane and Ilya barely exchange pleasantries during their hot, impersonal hookups, even calling each other by their last names — half bros, half hos. David Colman, HollywoodReporter, 23 Feb. 2026 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 13 Apr. 2026.

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