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

Final Thoughts The Hisense 8,000 BTU UltraSlim Smart Inverter is a standout window air conditioner that effortlessly balances sleek design, near-silent operation, and top-tier performance.

— John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026
The California Democratic Party opposes the measure, but many of its leading officials have stayed silent.

— Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of silent

Adjective

Top with reserved hazelnuts and press in gently to adhere (surface will be smothered with nuts).

— Tanya Bush, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Oct. 2026
Forced to pick up the pieces of her life on the eve of the Great Depression, the reserved Caddie lands a job behind a bustling pub.

— Ed Meza, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of reserved

Adjective

With six couples, having two separate houses gave us space to spread out while keeping everyone close enough to gather for dinner, drinks, and games.

— Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Oct. 2026
These regions could warrant closer investigation, but the assessment does not establish that any is suitable for a future greenhouse.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of close

Adjective

Wow, the brown Democratic candidate calling the white Republican candidate a dumb immigrant — California politics sure have changed!

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
His current employer is Damien Cantor, an authentically sleazy and slippery character who operates under no discernible code beyond indulging a dumb, preening narcissism.

— Scott Tobias, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of dumb

Adjective

But the announcement of 76-year-old Canadian poet and essayist Anne Carson as this year’s laureate marked the end of a lengthy, secretive selection process that began more than a year ago.

— Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 8 Oct. 2026
The news also comes following the sale of Rauschenberg’s studio compound on Captiva Island in Florida for $45 million and is being handled by the foundation in a somewhat secretive manner, per the Times.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of secretive

Adjective

Either way, Rahimi balances the character’s clear vulnerability with just enough ambiguity about his plans for the school, accentuated through Majidi’s restrained and naturalistic approach.

— Kambole Campbell, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
While the look nods to Carolyn Bessette Kennedy with its restrained elegance, the final product is decidedly Giulia’s own.

— Alexandra Macon, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of restrained

Adjective

Residents enjoy a Jack Nicklaus Signature 18-hole golf course, miles of hiking and biking trails, tennis and pickleball courts, and endless opportunities on Lake Keowee, including boating, swimming, or simply quiet moments on the water.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026
His wife Ajin, 32, sets out to win compensation but runs into a system that thrives on exploiting people and keeping them quiet.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of quiet

Adjective

Gunn’s way of watching and noticing with the full weight of pure sympathy makes its way, with chiseled care, into a reticent eloquence.

— Colm Tóibín, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026
Consumers are quite reticent here but the opportunity still exists to drive growth.

— Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of reticent

Browse Nearby Words

closely

closemouthed

closeness

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“Closemouthed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/closemouthed. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of closemouthed

adjective

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