CLOSE-MOUTHED Synonyms: 82 Similar and Opposite Words

closemouthed

adjective

ˈklōz-ˌmau̇tht

Definition of closemouthed

as in silent

given to keeping one's activities hidden from public observation or knowledge he remained closemouthed about their activities

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Adjective

The oversized teeth of the character were originally to be used only during silent scenes, but Carrey learned to talk with them on to make his character even more cartoon-like.

— Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026
School is meant to prepare students for the real world, but too many institutions are training kids to be silent.

— Annabelle Garland, The Atlantic, 23 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

The play was a no-call, but Clark took exception to the physicality and yelled at the closest official.

— James Boyd, New York Times, 19 July 2026
The carrier is flying about 6,500 flights per day this year — nearly an entire Alaska Airlines more worth of travel more than its closest competitor, according to Cirium — yet American’s profit gap has grown.

— Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 19 July 2026

Definition of close

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

Xavi Simons was born in Amsterdam but grew up in the quiet village of Rojales in Alicante.

— Jay Harris, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Home Depot is poised to benefit from a quiet home renovation boom, driven by high mortgage rates and aging homes, boasting strong free cash flow and a 238% dividend hike.

— Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 22 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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“Closemouthed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/closemouthed. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of closemouthed

adjective

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