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 Emery has hardly been secretive in his desire to improve his squad. Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025 Members are encouraged to stay secretive, prepare for societal collapse and build a network of committed, fit men ready to act through infiltration, activism or violence. Art Jipson, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2025 Musk's retreat from PBC status has been so secretive that even his attorney appeared to be unaware of the change. Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2025 The trifecta of Venice, Toronto, and New York (and, of course, that wily and secretive Telluride) once again promises a compelling lineup of international auteurs, breakout discoveries, and major studio contenders. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 25 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for secretive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secretive
Adjective
  • For some patients, other tools—like a coronary calcium scan, which can directly show whether there’s silent plaque in the arteries—may be more useful.
    Sarah Garone, Health, 9 Sep. 2025
  • One silent element to the transfer portal that is seldom discussed, but important to the athletes, is those pesky classes.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • One result of the growth is a quiet boom in Southeast Asian grocery stores and restaurants.
    Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Inside, lofted seating positions deliver an elevated view while quilted semi-aniline leather and acoustic glass buffer passengers in comfort and quiet.
    Scotty Reiss, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Looking back at Charlotte’s recent FCS opponents, dating back to 2021, the 49ers haven’t won the turnover battle in any of the four matchups, resulting in uncomfortably close games and even a lopsided loss to William & Mary in 2022.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • As Vevo’s Senior Manager of Talent Booking, Cynthia Todd emphasized the close partnership and trust that goes into making opportunities like these special performances come together in Live From Vevo Studios.
    Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • And when at 1587 Prime, Mahomes won’t be reticent about asking for ketchup.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Despite constant comments about how Kafka’s stories spoke to the public, Holland is reticent to illustrate any specifics.
    Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Throughout the show, Conrad is forgiven by fans for being uncommunicative and avoidant.
    Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Where Tammy proves no more fortunate than Patti is in her choice of husband: David, distant and uncommunicative, is having an affair with his office assistant, Narcedalia (Dascha Polanco).
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 22 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
  • Interestingly, Lorraine has taught Judy to ward off her frightening visions by using a nursery rhyme, effectively teaching her to suppress her dark side.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The Dolphins wear white jerseys at home for afternoon games, forcing opponents to wear darker colors that absorb more heat.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Secretive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secretive. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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