closeted 1 of 2

Definition of closetednext

closeted

2 of 2

verb

past tense of closet

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 closeted
Adjective
Following the show's premiere, lead actor Hudson Williams noted that the series had resonated with closeted professional athletes. Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026 Chase, Harada, Ivan Hernandez (as the town Doc with all the bedside manner of Captain Von Trapp), Brad Oscar as closeted Mayor Menlove whose penchant for outfits as fanciful as any thing from Munchkinland is matched only by his tender longing for that shy town reverend (Maulik Pancholy). Greg Evans, Deadline, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
To represent gay men that are closeted and in middle America. Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 26 Feb. 2026 Each of the two bedrooms, also nicely sized and closeted, have their own set of French doors leading onto a private terrace. Katie McDonough, Curbed, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for closeted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for closeted
Adjective
  • What begins as a survival nightmare slowly transforms into something far more disturbing as fractured memories, conflicting realities, and hidden truths force Ann to confront the possibility that the greatest threat may not be lurking in the woods at all, but buried deep within her own psyche.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 15 June 2026
  • There are hidden pathways, jungle gyms, koi ponds and lounging spaces that reveal themselves gradually over the course of your stay.
    Arion McNicoll, TheWeek, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • Two buildings at the Animal Protective League shelter in Springfield were heavily damaged, but none of the nearly 150 cats and 28 dogs housed there were injured, said Deana Corbin, the group's executive director.
    CBS News, CBS News, 12 June 2026
  • Bigos Management, which purchased the plaza in 2019, already maintains Galtier Towers, two towers of residential units surrounding the multi-story plaza, which once housed a movie theatre, an international high school and the offices of Cray supercomputing.
    Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • The look of sheer repressed, stymied rage/laughter on Raph’s face when Paul sniffs the Oreos instead is one of the episode’s biggest laughs.
    Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 16 June 2026
  • Cummings has a wider range to traverse as Arnold, whose repressed rage eventually has to find an outlet.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • Trump has argued the 90,000 square-foot ballroom is needed to hold large events that currently have to be confined to the much smaller White House East Room or outdoors on the South Lawn.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 16 June 2026
  • Perryman said life in the facility is like being confined in an airport hotel room.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • The verdict was delivered amid difficult personal circumstances for Mette-Marit, Hoiby’s mother, who needs a lung transplant for pulmonary fibrosis.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 15 June 2026
  • In 2014, Smith served a nine-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct and substance abuse policies.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • Documents from the monastery of San Lorenzo in Capua refer to the tiny balls of fatty milk encased in their own stretchy, tangy skin as mozze.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • Pillow-top mattresses encased in Italian linens, bespoke furnishings, ROIL and Natura Bisse bath products, Bluetooth alarm clocks with USB ports, and a modern beach house vibe are found in all, while suites have separate living rooms.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Kentucky lawmakers will likely let our columnist Joe Gerth down again by overriding the veto of a bill that would allow 18-, 19- and 20-year-olds to carry concealed guns.
    Ray Padilla, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Watch it for its skin-deep enticement, its powerful visual devices, but also its concealed malignancy.
    Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Metal barricades surrounded Madison Square Garden and police checkpoints were up around Penn Station as city officials scrambled to prevent a repeat of Wednesday night’s chaos, when dozens of fans were taken into custody after the Knicks’ historic comeback.
    Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
  • Entering his fourth year on the Falcons’ defensive line, Harrison is surrounded by new faces and new skill sets after a makeover on the interior.
    Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 13 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Closeted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/closeted. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster