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 Qatar has long history of being neutral territory for thorny diplomatic negotiations, including hosting an office for the Afghan Taliban during secretive talks with the US. Helen Regan, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025 Jenniffer González-Colón, Puerto Rico's governor, wasn't at all secretive about the meeting. Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025 Also, Mabel wears her emotions close to her chest and isn’t revealing, a vibe that resonates with the secretive scorpion. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025 What began as a bold democratic intervention into the secretive world of policing has become, in too many jurisdictions, a hollow performance. Hansel Alejandro Aguilar, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for secretive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secretive
Adjective
  • The red agate worn by his mother reflects silent compassion, and the pearl accents on the Wulu pendant evoke the gentle passage of time.
    Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Burnett was content to mine references from her own Depression-era youth; her famous maid character, the Charwoman, who became something of a show mascot, harked back to Chaplin’s Little Tramp, wearing a rumpled outfit and performing silent reveries.
    Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Britani, who has been all too quiet this whole time, sees an opening to make it about her, and thank god for that.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Tom Willander Willander had a quiet showing at prospect camp and training camp, then debuted with two sensational preseason performances against the Seattle Kraken and the Calgary Flames.
    Thomas Drance, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Trump has previously suggested a deal was close.
    Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The trainer visits Pegasus daily and is like the horse’s shadow during hospital visits, keeping a close eye to ensure the safety of Pegasus and those around him.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Red-cheeked and reticent, the duo shook their heads and took their sheepish leave.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
  • The governor, a longtime ally of Big Tech, has been reticent to adopt stringent oversight.
    Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Whenever Conrad was at his most uncommunicative and avoidant, Jeremiah was waiting in the wings to offer uncomplicated affection and himbo charm.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Throughout the show, Conrad is forgiven by fans for being uncommunicative and avoidant.
    Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
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
  • Attendees can also expect kid-friendly activities, including hair braiding, glow-in-the-dark face painting, accessory booths, photo booths, and giant inflatable mascots on the dance floor.
    Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Atop her dress, Carey opted for a long-sleeve dark leather jacket with a cropped design and edgy zipper closure.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Secretive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secretive. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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