tight-lipped

adjective

ˈtīt-ˈlipt 

1

: having the lips closed tight (as in determination)

2

: reluctant to speak : taciturn

Synonyms of tight-lipped

• silent
• reserved
• dumb
• restrained

Examples of tight-lipped in a Sentence

the cabinet official is usually tight-lipped about her private life

Recent Examples on the Web

Everyone’s tight-lipped about who’s on it, but nobody seems out of the question. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 4 Aug. 2026

The actor remains tight-lipped about season four, except revealing that Bradley Whitford, who portrays Grace’s husband, first gentleman Todd, has a bigger role as expected. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 1 Aug. 2026

While the 34-year-old – who is mom to daughters Wyatt, 6; Elliotte, 5; Bennett, 3; and 15-month-old Finnley – was tight-lipped about details, the wedding was reportedly a family affair. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 24 July 2026

Outside investigator unclear However, so far both the Legislature and the sheriff’s office have remained tight-lipped on plans for looking into Abarca’s corruption claims. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tight-lipped

• eucalypt
• manuscript
• nondescript
• superscript
• chipped
• clipped
• crypt
• dipped
• dripped
• flipped
• gripped
• hipped

Kids Definition

tight-lipped

adjective

-ˈlipt

1

: having the lips closed tight (as in determination)

2

: not liking to speak : taciturn