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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
  • Confession has also been a way for artists to seize authority from systems that preferred them silent, decorative, or safely explained.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Each signature shoe was made the silent main character of a short movie.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of silent
Adjective
  • In Paper Tiger, there’s something more reserved and gentle about him.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Add scallions and garlic to reserved drippings in skillet; cook over medium-low, stirring constantly, until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of reserved
Adjective
  • Massive groups of specialised computer chips must sit very close together to work at top speed.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Researchers say that close collaboration helped connect those findings into a single explanation.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of close
Adjective
  • Here, in this image of an ingenious skidding kitten—in both its brutality and its beautiful, dumb, playful resilience—lies the wisdom of Marcon’s art.
    — Matthew McLean, Artforum, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Combined with a brutal noon start time that provided no shade or relief throughout the game, the conditions meant there weren’t many fans brave enough, or quite frankly dumb enough, to endure a heat index of roughly 105 degrees.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of dumb
Adjective
  • Billionaires and secretive super political action committees, with no stake in our communities, are shaping our future.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The most noteworthy documents deal with a secretive military initiative known as the Advanced Aerospace Weapon System Applications Program.
    — Stefan Becket, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of secretive
Adjective
  • The statements were positive but restrained, reflecting the pain inflicted by this saga.
    — Isaac Stanley-Becker, The Atlantic, 19 Sep. 2026
  • His restrained demeanor contrasts with Moreno, the brash former car dealer who entered politics as an outsider.
    — Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of restrained
Adjective
  • Someone may want quiet while someone else wants action, or a minor household issue could become strangely emotional.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
  • But the bond between them, delineated in a heartbreakingly touching and quiet final scene, is not broken.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of quiet
Adjective
  • Jimmy’s vengeful spirit comes back to haunt the Owens, who must enlist the help of Jet, Franny, and the group of reticent townswomen to banish him back to the nether-realm.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Sep. 2026
  • People can be reticent to talk about near-death experiences, but even some celebrities have discussed these brushes with death.
    — Michael Collins, USA Today, 30 Aug. 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 27 Sep. 2026.

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