closeted

1 of 2

adjective

clos·​et·​ed ˈklä-zə-təd 

ˈklȯ-

: closet entry 3 sense 3

a closeted gay man

closeted

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of closet entry 2

Examples of closeted in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The closeted kid who felt empowered to come out during their showcase monologue, only to receive uproarious applause from the crowd. — Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026

As of this writing, no such thing has occurred because of Heated Rivalry or any other factor, and the secrets of closeted gay NHL players are safe for now. — Literary Hub, 21 Sep. 2026

Karim, a closeted gay man married to Ameena, and his lover Sukka, a man trying to break free of caste, sit at the center of that approach. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026

The pair fall deeply in love with each other, but the closeted nature of their relationship puts stress on their dynamic — until the Admirals win the Stanley Cup weeks later and Scott celebrates by kissing Kip on the ice, coming out publicly. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1969, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for closeted

• posited
• composited
• deposited
• electrodeposited
• redeposited