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 flag officers stayed almost completely silent as Hegseth spoke about culture war issues mentioned in his book The War on Warriors.

— Quil Lawrence, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026
There are more than 40,000 exhibits, including a digital Sistine Chapel, silent films, archive material and, of course, plenty of Star Wars and Indiana Jones costumes, props and vehicles.

— Will Barker, TheWeek, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of silent

Adjective

The first five conditions describe any lasting affectionate bond, such as a close friendship.

— Pascal Vrticka, Scientific American, 4 Oct. 2026
While formally a candidate for European Union membership, Serbia’s accession process has stalled under Vucic, who maintains close ties with Russia and China.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of close

Adjective

Neon plans a 2027 theatrical release under the Creative Commons license for the open-source horror film based on a fictional secretive organization that keeps supernatural items and other harmful entities away from the public.

— Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026
The warm and charismatic straight-shooter, who has clocked 20 years in the biz, has no qualms with exposing the inner workings of what can be a highly secretive industry.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of secretive

Adjective

Producers who do choose to use barrels do so to enhance the fruit flavors and not overpower them thus making elegant, restrained whites.

— Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 2 Oct. 2026
Dark and atmospheric, yet restrained and sophisticated, as Dunn-Edwards describes it, this hue represents a clear shift in design toward depth, personality, and nuanced warmth for both contemporary and traditional styles.

— Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of restrained

Adjective

With the whizbang action long in the series’ rearview, this quiet road trip proves its emotional centerpiece, as Noah confesses both his true nature and his desire to be better — the conflict of his programming.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
As the market tries to keep the momentum going, a quiet calendar of earnings and economic reports awaits in the week ahead.

— Zev Fima, CNBC, 4 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

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Closemouthed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/closemouthed. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of closemouthed

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

discreet

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

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

Popular in Wordplay

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes