secretive

adjective

se·​cre·​tive ˈsē-krə-tiv 

si-ˈkrē-

: disposed to secrecy : not open or outgoing in speech, activity, or purposes

secretively adverb

secretiveness noun

Synonyms

• silent
• quiet
• close
• reticent
• uncommunicative
• closemouthed
• dark

Choose the Right Synonym for secretive

silent, taciturn, reticent, reserved, secretive mean showing restraint in speaking.

silent implies a habit of saying no more than is needed.

the strong, silent type

taciturn implies a temperamental disinclination to speech and usually connotes unsociability.

taciturn villagers

reticent implies a reluctance to speak out or at length, especially about one's own affairs.

was reticent about his plans

reserved implies reticence and suggests the restraining influence of caution or formality in checking easy informal conversational exchange.

greetings were brief, formal, and reserved

secretive, too, implies reticence but usually carries a suggestion of deviousness and lack of frankness or of an often ostentatious will to conceal.

the secretive research and development division

Examples of secretive in a Sentence

He's very secretive about his work.

the intelligence agency remained secretive despite the media's demands for more openness in government

Recent Examples on the Web

While a few worlds in the Milky Way are believed to have liquid water hiding beneath a frozen surface, Enceladus isn't quite as secretive about its subterranean ocean. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025

This snake, known for its cryptic appearance and secretive habits, was found in a tropical evergreen forest. —Real-Time News Team, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025

The first-look images show Scott (Crime, Vigil) as Caspian Lockett, the headmaster and leader of the secretive Crookhaven school; Keith Allen (Shallow Grave, Trainspotting) as Head of Security Erasmus Sisman and Claire Forlani (Meet Joe Black, In the Name of the King) as Caspian’s wife, Carmen. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025

It’s packed with details about the Hall of Fame’s ultra-secretive nominating process that has never before been shared with the public. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from secretiveness, partial translation of French secrétivité

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

secretive

adjective

se·​cre·​tive ˈsē-krət-iv 

si-ˈkrēt-

: having a tendency toward secrecy and concealment : not frank or open

secretively adverb

secretiveness noun