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 The secretive acts of Weyland-Yutani, the megacorporation that is apparently involved in everything in the universe, has fueled countless Alien stories. Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025 Abusers may become more secretive. Nina A. Kohn, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 The measure was held in the Assembly Appropriations Committee after a largely secretive process in which many bills are killed near the end of legislative years. Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 15 Sep. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for secretive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secretive
Adjective
  • Designed for comfort and performance, this exercise bike uses magnetic resistance for a silent, frictionless ride.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Those reasons will spill out over time — certainly the silent Jem won’t interrupt.
    Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Hours after the deal’s announcement, videos posted on social media by correspondents and Unicef spokesperson James Elder in Gaza showed a relatively quiet night sky, a rare occurrence in an enclave that has faced incessant bombardments for just over two years.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 9 Oct. 2025
  • When Venus journeys through Virgo, affection looks like cooking a meal for someone, fixing what’s broken or showing up in quiet, consistent ways.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Bishnoi denies involvement in Moosewala’s murder, but in an explosive interview from behind bars, accused his close aide of orchestrating it.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The departure of Busquets and Alba means Messi will lose two of his most talented teammates and closest friends.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 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
  • The Smithsonian Institution, which includes all the Smithsonian museums, plans to go dark after Saturday if the government shutdown continues beyond then, according to its website.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Polselli brings a painterly gaze to scenes of quiet dread, such as a figure gradually appearing out of thick brush as two women make their way home through dark woods.
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Secretive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secretive. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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