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
  • Journal, rest, take a silent walk, or name the thought that keeps circling.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • As Variety has noted in an extensive drill-down on the city’s film scene, Recife boasted a vibrant silent cinema movement in the 1920s.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of silent
Adjective
  • Whisk together milk and reserved pineapple juices in a medium bowl until combined.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026
  • While the lawn remained mostly empty, the reserved seating area was largely full.
    — Jamie Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
Definition of reserved
Adjective
  • Cuba has struggled to import fuel since the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January, Havana’s closest ally.
    — Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Punk hit a big clothesline for a close two-count and then went for the GTS.
    — Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of close
Adjective
  • That’s why we are drawn to do some of the dumber stuff when things get to their darkest.
    — Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2026
  • Mandylor is equally hilarious as a dumb thug who is so deserving of becoming shark bait.
    — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 30 July 2026
Definition of dumb
Adjective
  • However, many of its specifications remain unverified because the programme is highly secretive.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026
  • But covert foreign influence—secretive troll farms, hack-and-leaks, or viral deepfakes—remains a growth industry.
    — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of secretive
Adjective
  • There’s a smooth clarity to most of these songs, which grants different textures and dimensions to even Lyseight’s most restrained beats.
    — Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Promotional stills, tour visuals and social content have followed the same restrained palette of black, white and grey, with color largely absent from official imagery.
    — Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of restrained
Adjective
  • Venus enters Libra and your 12th House of Solitude, bringing healing, privacy, and quiet restoration.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Path two runs through Congress, where Senators Schiff and Curtis have a bill declaring the quiet part, the Prediction Markets Are Gambling Act, and the AGA is lobbying for exactly that.
    — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of quiet
Adjective
  • The British are very polite on the surface and very reticent to say things.
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 29 July 2026
  • And despite being reticent with personal goals, Perez could smile at his biggest accomplishment.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 July 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 8 Aug. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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