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

Towering cathedrals of ice define the shore, in contrast to the vast, untouched, eerily silent expanses that stretch inland.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 11 Sep. 2026
At the time, which was also a moment of upheaval for filmdom as talking pictures replaced silent films as the norm for high-end films, American players kept their distance rather than cede ground to the French on leading the film business.

— Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of silent

Adjective

Spread the jam evenly over the warm shortbread crust, then sprinkle crumbles of the reserved shortbread mixture over the top, completely covering the jam.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026
Not only are there no corporate suites in Armstrong, but the upper sections are full of non-reserved seating open to folks who purchased general admission grounds passes, which Tiafoe mentioned.

— Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of reserved

Adjective

On closer-range shots, Brughmans often adopts a wide base with his chest slightly forward and his arms relatively low.

— Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
In the ninth inning, Ozzie Albies legged out a double off Phillies closer Jhoan Duran (2-5) and Riley followed with a triple off the centerfield fence, giving the Braves the lead.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of close

Adjective

The storefront itself remains restrained, with each window presenting a single frame on a sculptural glass pedestal.

— Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026
The push comes as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi faces criticism at home for a restrained response, trying to balance Japan’s alliance with Washington and its commitment to international justice.

— Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of restrained

Browse Nearby Words

closely

closemouthed

closeness

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Closemouthed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/closemouthed. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of closemouthed

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

shofar

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Games & Quizzes