CLOSED-DOOR Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

closed-door

adjective

Definition of closed-door

as in off-the-record

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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 closed-door Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates departs after a closed-door interview with the House Oversight Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on June 10, 2026. — Dan Mangan, CNBC, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for closed-door

Recent Examples of Synonyms for closed-door

Adjective

Sacramento Kings media day Monday apparently came with some off-the-record player reviews that accidentally went on the record.

— Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2026
In one of the company’s off-the-record labs, On executives showed how the foam was made — a process that drew on years of material science and biomechanical research.

— Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of off-the-record

Adjective

Federal prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into allegations that the Los Angeles Clippers arranged secret, off-the-books sponsorship deals for Kawhi Leonard to circumvent the NBA’s salary cap, first reported by The New York Times.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2026
Leonard, who made tens of millions in off-the-books, no-show endorsements, made out like a bandit with this settlement, especially since his $51 million contract for the coming season was not voided.

— John Hollinger, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of off-the-books

Adjective

As Béatrice’s amateur detective work pulls her in deeper, the strands begin to suggest a conspiracy, one marked by mysterious disappearances and the clandestine sway of the Vatican.

— Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Other entries referenced covert access, clandestine technical operations and telecommunications interception.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of clandestine

Adjective

Rubio has led back-channel talks with Raúl Castro’s grandson, Raúl Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, but Cuban officials say talks with the administration are at a stalemate.

— Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026
Pakistan has been an important back-channel player in reaching Iran, and the positive tone of its comments eased oil markets a bit.

— Brian Sullivan, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of back-channel

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“Closed-door.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/closed-door. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of closed-door

adjective

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