privately

adverb

pri·​vate·​ly
Synonyms of privatelynext
1
: in a private way : so as to be private : in private : secretly, unofficially
some leaders of his own party hoped privately for his defeat
2
: by a private person or interest
privately owned utilities

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Cite this Entry

“Privately.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/privately. Accessed 16 Dec. 2025.

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