closeted 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of closetednext
as in hidden

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Dissimilar Words

closeted

2 of 2

verb

past tense of closet
as in housed
to close or shut in by or as if by barriers he closeted himself in his study, vowing not to emerge until he had finished the term paper

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Kiyoko has evolved from a closeted Disney Channel star to an artist that sells out global tours and has released three albums, four extended plays, and 40 singles. — Kenneal Patterson, Vanity Fair, 19 June 2026 The actors spent time forging the kind of intimate charge that could be felt in wordless glances between their closeted characters. — Jen Yamato, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026
Verb
In the pilot, Keith was in his blue policeman’s uniform attending David’s father’s memorial service without permission from David, who was deeply closeted. — Literary Hub, 19 May 2026 The steamy romance Heated Rivalry saw two gay men spend nearly a decade trying to define their relationship; although being closeted played a major role in their hesitation, the show also mined tension from the characters’ doubts about having an exclusive partnership. — Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for closeted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for closeted
  1. hidden
  2. housed
  3. repressed
  4. confined
  5. personal
  6. encased
  7. concealed
  8. surrounded
Adjective
  • The Buñuelian skeptic in me also shirks at Fried’s approving references to Diderot’s petite église invisible, the small hidden church whose members—painters, critics, curators, patrons—are the vision-gifted serious pursuers of art history.
    — Carlos Valladares, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The garment also includes hidden rivets, a single-needle arcuate, a single-sided Big E Red Tab, and the Two Horse leather patch.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of hidden
Verb
  • Modi would be housed in a specific section of Arthur Road Jail and would have access to specialist treatment, Indian authorities said, including care from a private doctor or mental health expert of his choice.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • This is a classic game reimagined, with glossy resin tiles housed in a calfskin case that’s almost too beautiful to tuck away in your bag.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of housed
Adjective
  • Maybe a repressed emotion or unresolved ending still haunts you.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Nordic noir suggests the presence of violence and hatred beneath the tranquillity and order of the Scandinavian welfare state, just as Southern noir peels back hospitality and charm to reveal repressed family secrets and moral decay.
    — Peter C. Baker, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of repressed
Verb
  • For travelers, the designation puts a spotlight on a place where mythology isn't confined to museums and archaeological ruins.
    — Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • As Eakin details, the battles over theory weren’t confined to academia, said Jonathan Derbyshire in the Financial Times.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of confined
Adjective
  • Both are a complete overhaul of their long-haul cabins, featuring seat heating, seat cooling and personal climate controls.
    — Edward Russell, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The Fireplace Shangri-la room is your own personal retreat, complete with an oversized soaking tub (big enough for even a tall girl like myself to enjoy) and separate shower.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of personal
Verb
  • To ensure the integrity of the mold, only high-quality clay is used and then encased in steel sleeves designed to withstand extreme pressure.
    — Philipp Jenne, Fortune, 30 July 2026
  • The eight-story building is stylish, with a red brick facade encased in glass and steel.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
Definition of encased
Adjective
  • In another instance, investigators identified a gray button on a test-taker's shirt as a concealed camera.
    — Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 25 June 2026
  • 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
Definition of concealed
Verb
  • This autumn, the brand will open its first flagship at 35–37 Sloane Square in London, surrounded by premium lifestyle neighbours such as Tiffany & Co and Aesop.
    — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Hudson-Smith went into the stand and up the stairs to pose next to his name, draped in the British flag, but was surrounded by too many empty seats.
    — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of surrounded

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Cite this Entry

“Closeted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/closeted. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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