closemouthed

adjective

ˈklōz-ˌmau̇tht How to pronounce closemouthed (audio)
Definition of closemouthednext
1
as in silent
given to keeping one's activities hidden from public observation or knowledge he remained closemouthed about their activities

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in reserved
tending not to speak frequently (as by habit or inclination) encourage the closemouthed children to speak up and not be shy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of closemouthed Ever since the couple pulled up stakes and moved away from the United Kingdom in March, their new spokespeople have been even more closemouthed. — Maria Puente, USA TODAY, 15 Sep. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for closemouthed
  1. silent
  2. reserved
  3. close
  4. dumb
  5. secretive
  6. restrained
  7. quiet
  8. reticent
Adjective
  • Physicians, despite their leverage, often remain silent due to cultural pressures.
    — Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • David May was the joker in the team; Paul Scholes was the silent assassin, sat there at the back, throwing comments.
    — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of silent
Adjective
  • The ArcLight helped pioneer premium modern multiplex features, including reclining stadium-style chairs, in-house gourmet dining and reserved seating.
    — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 21 July 2026
  • May would shed her quiet and reserved manner, teaming up with strangers for tournaments.
    — Jo Yurcaba, NBC news, 18 July 2026
Definition of reserved
Adjective
  • Accessibility for those with mobility impairments There will be a closer drop-off point to the main building, while the longer pathway will allow for wheelchair access, with two bandas accessible via ramps.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 July 2026
  • Here’s a closer look at how time in the water can benefit your health.
    — Patricia Neligan, AJC.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of close
Adjective
  • Some 17-year-olds are awkward, gangly teens who tend to do or say dumb things.
    — Caleb Otte, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2026
  • Vance appears to be performing a smart person’s idea of a dumb person.
    — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026
Definition of dumb
Adjective
  • Sgro, the lawyer for the five victims, took issue with the church’s secretive approach to the case and refusal to confirm or deny the blog report.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 July 2026
  • The secretive deal comes just five years after Dade Heritage Trust staved off attempts by the city to sell the small property or turn it into a dog park.
    — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
Definition of secretive
Adjective
  • Where Heron feels restrained and almost surgical, Hornbill is shaped for users who want more contact with the handle, more leverage through the cut, and a stronger physical presence without moving into oversized tactical-knife territory.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 July 2026
  • Drewchin operates in this more restrained mode throughout the record, peeling back the layers of her dizzying art pop.
    — Colin Joyce, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026
Definition of restrained
Adjective
  • My favorite way to spend an afternoon, though, was borrowing one of the hotel's bicycles and pedaling around South of Fifth, where quiet residential streets quickly give way to cafés, the marina, and the fun buzz of Ocean Drive.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
  • For gardens, Shosei-en is a quiet surprise so close to Kyoto Station that most visitors walk right past it, a strolling garden of ponds, bridges, and teahouses that makes a perfect first or last stop in the city.
    — Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of quiet
Adjective
  • Kelly was the reticent one in the couple, happy to let his wife gobble up the silences.
    — Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026
  • But other countries may be reticent to use the agency’s reviews in the future if changes like this pilot program compromise the agency’s ability to ensure the safety and effectiveness of experimental drugs entering the market.
    — C. Michael White, The Conversation, 15 July 2026
Definition of reticent

Browse Nearby Words

closely
closemouthed
closeness
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Cite this Entry

“Closemouthed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/closemouthed. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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