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 flag officers stayed almost completely silent as Hegseth spoke about culture war issues mentioned in his book The War on Warriors.

— Quil Lawrence, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026
There are more than 40,000 exhibits, including a digital Sistine Chapel, silent films, archive material and, of course, plenty of Star Wars and Indiana Jones costumes, props and vehicles.

— Will Barker, TheWeek, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of silent

Adjective

Return the meatballs to the skillet along with the reserved pineapple tidbits and ½ cup chopped green bell pepper.

— Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026
Aidaya has introduced SuiSui, a reserved ticketing system designed for restaurants, in which customers get priority entry by paying a fee separate from the meal cost.

— Masayuki Oi Japan News, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of reserved

Adjective

The first five conditions describe any lasting affectionate bond, such as a close friendship.

— Pascal Vrticka, Scientific American, 4 Oct. 2026
While formally a candidate for European Union membership, Serbia’s accession process has stalled under Vucic, who maintains close ties with Russia and China.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of close

Adjective

We’ll always be thought of as too conservative, too dumb, too reactionary, too violent by too many.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Here, in this image of an ingenious skidding kitten—in both its brutality and its beautiful, dumb, playful resilience—lies the wisdom of Marcon’s art.

— Matthew McLean, Artforum, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of dumb

Adjective

Hamas and other armed groups operate media outlets, as well as political parties, charities and other civilian institutions alongside their highly secretive armed wings.

— Joseph Krauss, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
In fact, the events that led to OpenAI’s presence in Georgia were so secretive local officials are under nondisclosure agreements that legally prohibit them from talking about it.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of secretive

Adjective

For a more restrained take, Simon Miller places fringe along a mini hem, and Ulla Johnson works it into the bodice for a more unexpected finish.

— Corinne Pierre-Louis, Vogue, 27 Sep. 2026
The statements were positive but restrained, reflecting the pain inflicted by this saga.

— Isaac Stanley-Becker, The Atlantic, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of restrained

Adjective

After a quiet episode focused on Hal Jordan’s passing, Lanterns’s penultimate chapter deepens the mystery in surprising and wrenching ways.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026
The spa setup includes a proper sauna, a genuinely cold cold plunge, hot tubs, and a quiet outdoor lounge overlooking the dunes.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of quiet

Adjective

Consumers are quite reticent here but the opportunity still exists to drive growth.

— Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Some sporting events, such as Wimbledon, are still reticent to directly integrate influencers into its marketing strategy.

— Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 21 Sep. 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 4 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of closemouthed

adjective

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