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

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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 glacial beats and the near-silent raps full of heartbreak and drugs are best absorbed through headphones.
    — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 17 July 2026
  • The Grok elephant in the room Although Apple has removed some apps flagged by researchers, the iPhone maker otherwise has remained notably silent amid calls to police nudification apps more aggressively in its App Store.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026
Definition of silent
Adjective
  • These tools include a new reserved cart which only holds items for checkout for a limited time before releasing them back into the storefront.
    — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 14 July 2026
  • General parking will run you $35, while reserved parking will be $55, according to Ticketmaster.
    — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026
Definition of reserved
Adjective
  • Even though talks with the Boston Red Sox at last year’s deadline never got close, the confusion provided by an incorrect tweet announcing Ryan’s trade to New England put the pitcher at the top of every trade list before the season even began.
    — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 6 July 2026
  • Ashley Smith is the manager of player engagement for the NFL, and the siblings are close.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026
Definition of close
Adjective
  • What used to be a forum for original, quirky, clever remarks by the Daily News’ varied community of smartypants has turned into a gridlock of repetitious venting of old, dumb blah.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 10 July 2026
  • How to make an iPhone a 'dumb phone' To simplify an iPhone, users should engage Assistive Access, an iOS feature intended for users with cognitive disabilities.
    — Greta Cross, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Definition of dumb
Adjective
  • But hitting this milestone has provided a new trove of research that will make mapping the secretive bats’ future far easier.
    — Jenny Staletovich, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
  • Charters says some of the more secretive references have already been discovered by fans online, while others remain hidden.
    — Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of secretive
Adjective
  • Expectations for Langford should still be in the restrained, cautiously optimistic category.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026
  • The famous curtains remain too, but in a more restrained way.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 July 2026
Definition of restrained
Adjective
  • And waterfront towns like North Bay Village and Bay Harbor Islands that were once known as quiet working-class suburbs are getting facelifts with new ultra-luxury condo buildings.
    — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • Instead, the young man who lived with his partner and daughter was described by neighbors as quiet and reserved.
    — Maria Santana, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
Definition of quiet
Adjective
  • But the composer seems reticent to commit to other Broadway productions.
    — Brent Lang, Variety, 14 July 2026
  • Lorde’s and Parker’s letters are forthright and funny from the start, but the other writers are reticent and polite at first.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 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 19 Jul. 2026.

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