Synonyms of private

private

adjective

ˈprī-vət 

1

as in confidential

not known or meant to be known by the general populace

that he is planning to retire is private information until he makes a public announcement

Synonyms & Similar Words

• confidential
• secret
• personal
• undisclosed
• intimate
• classified
• esoteric
• nonpublic
• hidden
• inside
• clandestine
• restricted
• undercover
• privy
• behind-the-scenes
• concealed
• hush-hush
• hushed
• covert
• top secret
• surreptitious
• underground
• unadvertised
• collusive
• silent
• closet
• conspiratorial
• unmentioned
• untold
• unsaid
• unannounced
• furtive
• closeted
• sneak
• stealthy
• repressed
• sneaky
• suppressed
• occult
• underhanded
• stifled
• underhand
• silenced
• backstage
• offscreen
• hugger-mugger
• offstage
• sneaking

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• public
• open
• common
• broadcast
• general
• publicized
• advertised
• popular
• aired
• current
• proclaimed
• published
• declared
• reported
• professed
• disclosed
• vulgar
• announced
• widespread
• prevailing
• well-known
• heralded
• communal
• blazed
• prevalent
• shared
• rife
• divulged
• promulgated
• enunciated
• spotlighted

2

as in clandestine

undertaken or done so as to escape being observed or known by others

a private investigation of the organization's activities

Synonyms & Similar Words

• clandestine
• undercover
• underground
• covert
• sneak
• secret
• surreptitious
• stealth
• sneaking
• confidential
• furtive
• behind-the-scenes
• undisclosed
• privy
• stealthy
• hole-and-corner
• sneaky
• underhanded
• hush-hush
• underhand
• backstairs
• closed-door
• restricted
• off-the-record
• hidden
• off-the-books
• classified
• hugger-mugger
• secreted
• top secret
• subterranean
• concealed
• back-channel
• unadvertised
• unexposed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• public
• open
• overt
• avowed
• acknowledged
• straightforward
• unrestricted
• unclassified
• clear
• obvious
• evident
• plain
• manifest
• undisguised
• unconcealed
• aboveboard
• patent

3

as in personal

of, relating to, or belonging to a single person

club lockers in which private property may be stored

Synonyms & Similar Words

• personal
• personalized
• subjective
• individual
• individualized
• separate
• unique
• singular
• particular
• patented
• privy
• idiomatic
• intimate
• distinctive
• peculiar
• independent
• special
• characteristic
• specific
• identifying
• idiosyncratic
• specialized
• custom
• express
• customized
• especial
• self-sufficient
• nonconformist
• self-directed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• public
• general
• popular
• universal
• generic
• broad
• widespread
• shared
• normal
• prevalent
• regular
• common
• typical
• prevailing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of private

Higher debt can also weaken economic growth by crowding out private investment. — Carolyn Bourdeaux, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026

Clancy was provided preferential treatment when a private psychologist met with her soon after the homicides, in the hospital. — Dr. Susan Hatters Friedman, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026

The internet enabled market operators and regulators to extend that same logic from private networks for price discovery, to corporate disclosure and financial data. — Cromwell Coulson, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026

Schedule a private tour or visit during one of the Open Days, which occur every Saturday from the third Saturday in September until July 1. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing private

• in private
• private detective
• private eye
• private investigator