CLOSEMOUTHED 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

The students are challenging those actions in federal court, arguing that FIU's policy – and its application to their silent demonstration – violates their First Amendment rights.

— Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
North Korea remained silent for months about its initial deployment of troops to help Russia’s war machine, only confirming its soldiers were fighting against Ukraine in April 2025.

— Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of silent

Adjective

Guzman Soto was quiet, reserved and religious and regularly attended local church groups and Bible studies, a 32-year-old neighbor who declined to give his name said.

— Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 26 Aug. 2026
Feliciano sounded the same theme, if in a more reserved tone.

— Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of reserved

Adjective

The technology, used in all Metro Nashville Public Schools, didn’t spot the weapon because the shooter wasn’t close enough to cameras for the system to get an accurate read and activate the alarm, the district said.

— Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
June 21 – July 22 A plan with someone close may need to fit what serves you close to home.

— Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of close

Adjective

America’s Semiquincentennial was celebrated across the country this summer with big, dumb, gluttonous fun.

— Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026
But the attention on Cunningham’s comments, the contrived outrage over a fictional trans athlete draft and dumb stunts by former NBA players may have helped drive more folks toward watching the league’s games.

— Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of dumb

Adjective

As Coca-Cola works to automate dirty soda and refreshers, CNBC's Amelia Lucas takes readers inside the secretive labs where the soda maker is planning its next wave of innovation.

— Alex Harring, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026
Also at issue in this case is whether a secretive collection of large industrial companies, called the Florida Industrial Power Users Group, should be allowed to weigh in on the data center rules.

— Emily L. Mahoney, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of secretive

Adjective

China media have been relatively restrained about this election result compared to past extreme rhetoric.

— Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
But this Sin City home takes a more restrained approach, pairing clean lines and strong geometric forms with the natural beauty of the Southwest.

— Tori Latham, Robb Report, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of restrained

Adjective

Industry sources said Pemsel’s exit has been planned for some time, and that the BFC has already been running a quiet, monthslong search for his successor.

— Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026
Libra September 23 – October 22 The private thought looping in the background may need a quiet place to land.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of quiet

Browse Nearby Words

closely

closemouthed

closeness

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Closemouthed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/closemouthed. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of closemouthed

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

cogent

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 28

Why do we say 'break a leg'?

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes