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
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
  • Its urban garden, Little Siberia, is a hidden gem and not to be missed, with an amazing view of CopenHill.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The three separate incidents occurred when Anthropic was evaluating the capabilities of the three models using a fictional scenario to retrieve hidden information from a different machine on a network.
    — Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of hidden
Verb
  • The shop opened earlier this summer and is located at 1108 E 30th St F, housed in the Wonder Shops and Flats building alongside other establishments like The Combine and AiZen Root Remedy.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Plans have yet to be finalized for the largest of the buildings, which formerly housed the plant’s gigantic boilers, but options include classrooms, an indoor play space or an oceanographic institute, according to the project’s designers.
    — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of housed
Adjective
  • The second, now promoted by a zillion MAGA podcasts, is a postapocalyptic hellscape of sclerotic socialism, repressed speech, and rampaging Muslims.
    — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 26 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of repressed
Verb
  • Invasive plants threatening wildlife and recreation isn’t new in the area, but typically it’s been confined to lakes.
    — John Marks, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
  • Wellness here is not confined to the spa; it is woven throughout the stay.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 31 July 2026
Definition of confined
Adjective
  • The article emphasizes that leaders must prioritize organizational interventions, such as de-emphasizing long hours and offering clinical sleep support like CBT-I, rather than just personal solutions.
    — Mena Mirhom, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Engle then diverted the money to personal purchases, including a yacht, vehicles, jewelry, and other luxury items, authorities said.
    — Doug Myers, CBS News, 1 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
  • While Pittsburgh may be surrounded by nature, much of it is not natural, often due to years of industrial activity.
    — Ricky Sayer, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Cast your line into the river, which is surrounded by stunning mountain views, and get a taste of the serenity and challenge of fly fishing.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 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 6 Aug. 2026.

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