closeted 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of closetednext
as in hidden

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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
Joe, who grew up a closeted teen in Kansas City facing abuse by his father, hits the road hitchhiking. — Caroline Killilea, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026 The film centers on a pickpocket who survives by exploiting the desires of closeted men, until his detached worldview is upended when one of his marks returns seeking closeness rather than settling scores. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 May 2026
Verb
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 Morrissey’s character must confront his own homophobia and transphobia as Cumming forms a friendship with one of his sons, who is closeted. — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 25 Mar. 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
  • Influenced by the work of Carl Jung, many psychologists view the dragon as a symbol of the hidden fears and conflicts within the human mind.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026
  • When hidden sources of stress and burnout go unnoticed, organizations must prioritize visibility into the whole employee.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of hidden
Verb
  • The Sacramento Homeless Union, a local of the California Homeless Union, represents 4,600 homeless, formerly homeless and marginally-housed people in the Sacramento area, the suit said.
    — Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026
  • The burn took place at Rocket Lab's Archimedes Test Complex, housed at NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.
    — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of housed
Adjective
  • The film is said to follow a repressed philosophy professor who has been grappling with lingering guilt over a decision from his past when the victim suddenly returns to his life.
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 23 July 2026
  • These effects reflect what’s currently active in the mind, not necessarily hidden or repressed thoughts.
    — Karen Stollznow, The Conversation, 14 July 2026
Definition of repressed
Verb
  • What’s Happening Evening exercise is being reevaluated by the same clinicians who once told patients to keep workouts confined to mornings.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
  • Schools have often confined meaningful creation to entrepreneurship clubs, hackathons, and extracurricular programs.
    — Ray Ravaglia, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of confined
Adjective
  • For remote routes, a satellite messenger or personal locator beacon is worth the investment.
    — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
  • Merz took the opportunity to make a series of changes after a senior ally quit as the leader of his bloc's parliamentary group over personal conduct that undermined his credibility.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 July 2026
Definition of personal
Verb
  • Grain silos at the ports are being encased in anti-drone grids.
    — Howard LaFranchi, Christian Science Monitor, 13 July 2026
  • Lillard slept in the iron lung cylinder that encased her body as the air pressure in the chamber forced air in and out of her lungs.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 11 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
  • Guests have exclusive access to the top-deck Sanctuary Club, which features a freshwater pool surrounded by comfy lounge chairs and private cabanas.
    — Tracey Teo, AJC.com, 23 July 2026
  • Photos from the trip showed the Black teen surrounded by White friends, though at least one other Black friend was also on the trip.
    — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 22 July 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 25 Jul. 2026.

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