in private

phrase

: not openly or in public

Examples of in private in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Know More Waters is one of a number of senior members of Congress that fellow Democrats are grumbling about in private for being delinquent on their dues to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 1 Oct. 2026

However, many of Borobudur’s other artifacts — including Buddha heads removed from their bodies — remain in museums in the US and Europe, as well as likely in private collections. — Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026

Szabo told the committee that LA28 has shared information on $1-million-plus contracts in private meetings but not in its public report, as required in a 2021 contract. — James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

But in private conversations, the regime’s elites remain quite nervous. — Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar, Foreign Affairs, 1 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for in private

• semiprivate