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
  • For a moment, the world was still and silent, save for a flock of birds flying low over the water.
    — Annissa Durar, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Aug. 2026
  • After his father’s death, strong and silent Mauro hires a farm hand to work alongside him.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of silent
Adjective
  • Add a generous, heaping spoonful of the zucchini ragu (about 1/2 cup) to the pan along with a splash of the reserved pasta water.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Whisk together milk and reserved pineapple juices in a medium bowl until combined.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of reserved
Adjective
  • Girls’ Generation, currently eight members, can be taken as a closer parallel of the same story.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Messi’s close friend and international teammate, Rodrigo De Paul, captained the squad in his absence.
    — Avi Creditor, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of close
Adjective
  • 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
  • Approaching the plant, there are no telltale dumb-bell silhouettes on the horizon signaling its presence.
    — Ramy Inocencio, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of dumb
Adjective
  • The military is nothing if not secretive, and all of this work could be done in the dark—much the way the Manhattan Project, which developed the world’s first nuclear weapons, operated silently, invisibly, from June 1942 to August 1947.
    — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Behind closed doors, scientists, engineers, and intelligence agencies pursued some of the most ambitious and secretive projects in military history.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of secretive
Adjective
  • Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve give superbly restrained performances as a married couple who have immigrated from Romania to a small seaside town in Norway with their four children.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The Sydney penthouse, measuring in at just under 9,700 square feet, takes a restrained approach while still feeling sumptuous, thanks to interiors that pair custom pieces with luxe materials.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of restrained
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, Mercury in your private 12th house sextiles Venus in your 2nd House of Resources, supporting quiet decisions around money, self-worth, and peace.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Mauro Mueller’s film is a quiet, poignant drama about loss, memory and the power of human closeness.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 13 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 16 Aug. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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