PRIVATELY Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

privately

adverb

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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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 privately As Tynes noted, the issue is that Carter chose to embarrass a teammate publicly rather than handle the matter privately. —

Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 May 2026 On May 21, RadarOnline claimed that the former music manager is putting on a supportive front while privately struggling with the risqué content. —

Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 22 May 2026 That means processing risk privately, not in real time, and communicating only what’s necessary with clarity and calm. —

Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026 Joel proposed privately at their home. —

Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 21 May 2026 Frank also drew scrutiny for having advocated for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which were privately owned but had implicit government backing. —

Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 20 May 2026 Cicero Police Department Cicero Police Department 'Ghost guns' refer to unserialized, privately made firearms often sold as parts to be assembled at home, allowing purchasers to circumvent background checks. —

Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 20 May 2026 Trump vented privately on Monday in a call with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) about MacDonough’s ruling that could jeopardize $1 billion in White House security funding, including $220 million for his new East Wing ballroom. —

Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 20 May 2026 The artist's works have privately sold for up to $200 million, The Guardianand the BBC reported. —

Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for privately

Adverb

Best Amazon Memorial Day Pants and Jeans Sales Amazon secretly has one of the most underrated selection of bottoms online—many of which are marked down right now.

— Annie Blackman, InStyle, 23 May 2026
Garrett Graham Fiercely protective with a secretly soft interior, Garrett is the ultimate Water sign fantasy because there’s so much underneath his reputation as a confident athlete.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 21 May 2026