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
  • The students are challenging those actions in federal court, arguing that FIU's policy – and its application to their silent demonstration – violates their First Amendment rights.
    — Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • North Korea remained silent for months about its initial deployment of troops to help Russia’s war machine, only confirming its soldiers were fighting against Ukraine in April 2025.
    — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of silent
Adjective
  • The formula is closer to reserved + low-energy + emotionally restrained + literal + technocratic + untheatrical + less visionary + less attention-seeking.
    — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Children ages 5 and under may enter for free, but require a reserved ticket.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of reserved
Adjective
  • This is something the First Alert Weather Team will keep a close eye on throughout the week.
    — Michael Autovino, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Makhachev’s record-setting victory came over Ian Machado Garry via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47) in one of Makhachev’s closest fights.
    — Mark Puleo, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of close
Adjective
  • The friends aren’t dumb; they’ve just been baked for so long that acting dumb is a habit.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Perhaps in writing it, Salinger was trying to negotiate whether his remarkable survival through some of the war’s worst gauntlets could be chalked up to dumb luck, or divine intervention.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of dumb
Adjective
  • While hyper-secretive Tether is unlikely to win a prize for corporate transparency any time soon, the KPMG seal of approval means the media can turn to more interesting questions—like what the company plans to do next.
    — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The thing is, Tillman couldn’t speak about his character until now in order to protect Sadie Sink’s secretive role as Jean Grey, one of the most recognizable characters in Marvel lore.
    — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of secretive
Adjective
  • The formula is closer to reserved + low-energy + emotionally restrained + literal + technocratic + untheatrical + less visionary + less attention-seeking.
    — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The man has been robbed, restrained and bound in Chicago before being taken to Harvey and left there, the news release said.
    — Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of restrained
Adjective
  • The current resurgence of tennis necklaces reflects the rise of quiet luxury and a growing appetite for investment purchasing and dressing.
    — Pooja Mistry, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Jung provides discreet, ever-changing services for powerful clients, solving problems with meticulous planning and quiet efficiency.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of quiet
Adjective
  • The British are very polite on the surface and very reticent to say things.
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 29 July 2026
  • And despite being reticent with personal goals, Perez could smile at his biggest accomplishment.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 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 23 Aug. 2026.

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