as in secretly
in a manner intended to prevent knowledge or awareness by others
she confided to me privately that she was considering divorce
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Recent Examples of privately
Its co-chairman Leonard Leo has privately advised the governor on Florida Supreme Court appointments.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2026
Republican senators including Lindsey Graham publicly rebuked him; then–Minority Leader Mitch McConnell privately expressed support for his impeachment, according to some reports.
—Zach Fisch, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
Several Democrats in the state privately cautioned Walz against seeking reelection as outrage intensified in Minnesota and beyond over the misuse of funds.
—Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026
Who condemned queerness very publicly in their ConneXion videos, while embodying it privately.
—Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 6 Jan. 2026
Power struggles may surface privately, even if triggered externally.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
Explain to the woman that not everyone in the group is comfortable displaying their religiosity in public, and some may prefer to do their worshiping privately.
—Jeanne Phillips, Dallas Morning News, 5 Jan. 2026
With a young team, particularly on offense, the Panthers seem poised for some very good things in future years and have arrived at this moment a year earlier than some in their building privately anticipated.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 5 Jan. 2026
Amed Khan, an American humanitarian philanthropist who has been privately donating medicine and emergency nutrition for children to Gaza, said the impact extends beyond the aid groups.
—Sam Mednick, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2026
Republican senators including Lindsey Graham publicly rebuked him; then–Minority Leader Mitch McConnell privately expressed support for his impeachment, according to some reports.
—Zach Fisch, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
Several Democrats in the state privately cautioned Walz against seeking reelection as outrage intensified in Minnesota and beyond over the misuse of funds.
—Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026
Who condemned queerness very publicly in their ConneXion videos, while embodying it privately.
—Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 6 Jan. 2026
Power struggles may surface privately, even if triggered externally.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
Explain to the woman that not everyone in the group is comfortable displaying their religiosity in public, and some may prefer to do their worshiping privately.
—Jeanne Phillips, Dallas Morning News, 5 Jan. 2026
With a young team, particularly on offense, the Panthers seem poised for some very good things in future years and have arrived at this moment a year earlier than some in their building privately anticipated.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 5 Jan. 2026
Amed Khan, an American humanitarian philanthropist who has been privately donating medicine and emergency nutrition for children to Gaza, said the impact extends beyond the aid groups.
—Sam Mednick, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for privately
Adverb
-
The character was reimagined in the 2025 adaptation as the bride-to-be of Frankenstein's younger brother (for whom the scientist secretly harbors feelings).—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Her upcoming book is a rallying cry for high-achieving women who appear unstoppable but secretly feel stuck.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
Adverb
-
That might serve as an incentive for AI companies to stop sharing their most advanced models, instead running them confidentially, in a bid to capture as much of their upside as possible.—
Billy Perrigo,
Time,
28 Oct. 2025
-
The two sides settled confidentially last year and Joyride emerged from bankruptcy.—
Justin Wingerter,
Denver Post,
16 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Privately.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/privately. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.
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