Synonym Chooser

How is the word secretive distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of secretive are reserved, reticent, silent, and taciturn. While all these words mean "showing restraint in speaking," secretive, too, implies reticence but usually carries a suggestion of deviousness and lack of frankness or of an often ostentatious will to conceal.

the secretive research and development division

When is it sensible to use reserved instead of secretive?

While in some cases nearly identical to secretive, reserved implies reticence and suggests the restraining influence of caution or formality in checking easy informal conversational exchange.

greetings were brief, formal, and reserved

When can reticent be used instead of secretive?

The words reticent and secretive can be used in similar contexts, but reticent implies a reluctance to speak out or at length, especially about one's own affairs.

was reticent about his plans

When could silent be used to replace secretive?

The meanings of silent and secretive largely overlap; however, silent implies a habit of saying no more than is needed.

the strong, silent type

Where would taciturn be a reasonable alternative to secretive?

The synonyms taciturn and secretive are sometimes interchangeable, but taciturn implies a temperamental disinclination to speech and usually connotes unsociability.

taciturn villagers

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 secretive Speaking to Entertainment Weekly in April 2018, after the show’s finale, Malina reflected on the secretive nature of the show to protect plot points. Francesca Gariano, People.com, 17 June 2025 This aggressive species catches wind of something called Project Titan, an enormous spaceship with an even bigger, secretive purpose, and decides that Earthlings pose a threat that must be exterminated. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 16 June 2025 Two security officials spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Friday to discuss the highly secretive missions. Shane Croucher hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025 After he was elected, following two days of secretive deliberation, the memes came swiftly. Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for secretive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secretive
Adjective
  • The system has 60 chime tones and five volume levels, including a silent mode with flashing lights, which is great for nap times or users with hearing needs.
    Kat de Naoum, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 June 2025
  • That creates a silent burden for those left behind.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Without it, people go quiet, engagement drops and growth stalls.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Young visitors will enjoy the splash pad and water slide, while guests ages 18 and older are welcome to relax in the quiet adults-only pool and hot tub.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • The championship is Oklahoma City’s first since relocating from Seattle in 2008; for the Pacers, close wasn’t good enough for their second straight season with a strong playoff run before falling to the eventual NBA champs.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 28 June 2025
  • Some of my friends sent them a gift, knowing why they were not invited but three of my close friends didn’t send anything (even a card would have been thoughtful).
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Harry and Meghan have always been reticent to let the public get a proper look at their children (Harry, especially, is not a fan of invasive press, being the son of Princess Diana and all), so this is maybe a compromise?
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 16 June 2025
  • State and local officials were reticent to weigh in on what the mortgage sale could mean for the Fiserv deal.
    Taylor O’Connor, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Some supporters felt their club had become too corporate, too cold and too uncommunicative.
    Greg O'Keeffe, The Athletic, 20 Dec. 2024
  • Often, a less qualified candidate who displays high energy and eagerness can outshine a more qualified individual who appears disinterested and uncommunicative.
    Jack Kelly, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • There’s also the closemouthed, menacing technician who lives on a houseboat and raises snakes; the actress first hired for the show’s leading part who dropped out of the role before shooting began; and the unknown burglar who fled the frightened player’s house.
    Tom Nolan, WSJ, 23 Dec. 2022
  • Hutton’s gaptoothed smile replaced the closemouthed gaze and white eyeliner of Vogue models of the 1960s.
    Washington Post, Washington Post, 25 Dec. 2021
Adjective
  • My challenge was to make the sequel scarier, and darker.
    Sweta Kaushal, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Executive Chef Graham House and Chef de Cuisine Graham House of Luminosa in Asheville, NC, recommend using a whole roast chicken, both dark and white meat, but placing half of it in the food processor before hand shredding the remaining bits for texture.
    Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Secretive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secretive. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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