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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of closemouthed
There’s also the closemouthed, menacing technician who lives on a houseboat and raises snakes; the actress first hired for the show’s leading part who dropped out of the role before shooting began; and the unknown burglar who fled the frightened player’s house.
—
Tom Nolan,
WSJ,
23 Dec. 2022
Hutton’s gaptoothed smile replaced the closemouthed gaze and white eyeliner of Vogue models of the 1960s.
—
Washington Post,
25 Dec. 2021
Ever since the couple pulled up stakes and moved away from the United Kingdom in March, their new spokespeople have been even more closemouthed.
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Maria Puente,
USA TODAY,
15 Sep. 2020
Led by Vice President Temer, whose cryptic, closemouthed demeanor has his rivals comparing him to a butler in a horror movie, the centrists anchoring Ms. Rousseff’s coalition broke away last week.
—
Simon Romero,
New York Times,
3 Apr. 2016
Tom Nolan,
WSJ,
23 Dec. 2022
Hutton’s gaptoothed smile replaced the closemouthed gaze and white eyeliner of Vogue models of the 1960s.
—
Washington Post,
25 Dec. 2021
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
Led by Vice President Temer, whose cryptic, closemouthed demeanor has his rivals comparing him to a butler in a horror movie, the centrists anchoring Ms. Rousseff’s coalition broke away last week.
—
Simon Romero,
New York Times,
3 Apr. 2016
Recent Examples of Synonyms for closemouthed
Adjective
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Coffin came up with the 1920s backdrop – an era that saw cinema shift from silent films to talkies — and did something the franchise rarely permits — make something personal.
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The Rangers offense was silent during the beginning of the game, while the defense held together.
Adjective
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While Kafka is a bit more of a reserved personality, he’s been described as a coach who’s personable and can work with anyone.
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Even in recordings from the ’90s, Alfa displays a reserved but expressive personality, and a talent for fusing disparate sounds fluidly together.
Adjective
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With the wrap in front of you, fold up the edge closest to you.
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Because wells in the region are large and close to one another, restarting production will require significant coordination across companies and countries to ensure consistent pressure across multiple wells.
Adjective
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And the script’s very cute but deeply dumb leading man, Alex (Nico Carney), climbs a flight of stairs toward his best friend’s bedroom door.
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And there are no ego-destroying confrontations with people who know how to do things, who tell you that your idea is dumb.
Adjective
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Submarines are among the most secretive and powerful machines in modern warfare.
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Exact specifications are difficult to come by, given how secretive China's space program remains about Shenlong.
Adjective
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At first, the fins were tasteful and restrained, adding jet-age glamour to post-war American cars.
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Material choices are homey and restrained—soft woods, neutral fabrics, and sculptural artwork chosen during frequent meetings between the designers and clients—creating a quieter, more private atmosphere than the communal areas elsewhere onboard.
Adjective
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Prosecutors also alleged King fathered a child through an extra-marital affair and threatened the child’s mother to keep quiet.
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But he is viewed by Labour supporters as a more effective, optimistic and plain-speaking communicator than Starmer, who's quiet, lawyerly manner has consistently failed to connect with the public's national mood.
Adjective
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Let’s start with the trade deadline, something the Rockies have often been reticent to maneuver in the past.
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The concierge takes responsibility for all the aspects of cross-selling that customer-facing staff may be reticent to undertake, such as conversion tracking and knowing all the key internal contacts.
Cite this Entry
“Closemouthed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/closemouthed. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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