as in silent
given to keeping one's activities hidden from public observation or knowledge
the intelligence agency remained secretive despite the media's demands for more openness in government
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Recent Examples of secretive
The highly choreographed and secretive process of electing a pope technically came to an end when Pope Leo XIV was introduced on Thursday.
—
Talya Minsberg, New York Times, 9 May 2025
According to Politico, some of the voters watched the 2024 Ralph Fiennes film to prepare for the complex and secretive proceedings.
—David Matthews, New York Daily News, 7 May 2025
Although the voting takes place behind closed doors and is notoriously secretive, this longstanding tradition is a way to inform the public of the outcome of the vote.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 7 May 2025
The secretive nature of the conclave and the interplay of ideology, geography and Church politics make predicting the next pope inherently uncertain, even when certain cardinals appear prominent on paper.
—Barney Henderson, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for secretive
Talya Minsberg, New York Times, 9 May 2025
According to Politico, some of the voters watched the 2024 Ralph Fiennes film to prepare for the complex and secretive proceedings.
—David Matthews, New York Daily News, 7 May 2025
Although the voting takes place behind closed doors and is notoriously secretive, this longstanding tradition is a way to inform the public of the outcome of the vote.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 7 May 2025
The secretive nature of the conclave and the interplay of ideology, geography and Church politics make predicting the next pope inherently uncertain, even when certain cardinals appear prominent on paper.
—Barney Henderson, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for secretive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secretive
Adjective
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Their work resists gentrification's silent displacement and instead champions intentional design, historical reverence, and generational empowerment.—
Stephanie Tharpe,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
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There were silent Sunday night dinners at restaurants and essentially no contact with any extended relatives.—
Samantha Masunaga,
Los Angeles Times,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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Until this point, Gilgeous-Alexander has displayed a quiet form of leadership during his NBA career.—
Mark LaSota,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
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Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Illinois Set in the quiet prairie lands south of Chicago, this cemetery is one of the largest in the Midwest.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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However, research into the health benefits of the tart – also known as the sour, dwarf and, in the US, the Montmorency – cherry has produced some interesting results that warrant a closer look.—
Bronwyn Thompson,
New Atlas,
11 May 2025
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This time, the Knicks couldn’t get any closer, as the Celtics won 115-93 to cut their series deficit to two games to one.—
Tim Casey,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
Adjective
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But his administration is hardly reticent about denouncing other countries’ internal conduct.—
Jonathan Chait,
The Atlantic,
16 May 2025
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Studio executives will convene in the Riviera facing an avalanche of questions from their foreign colleagues, who may be more reticent to do business.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
4 May 2025
Adjective
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Some supporters felt their club had become too corporate, too cold and too uncommunicative.—
Greg O'Keeffe,
The Athletic,
20 Dec. 2024
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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
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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
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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
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Blast off at Baltimore's science fiction convention, see natural beauty envisioned by artists from around the world, take a stroll after dark at the zoo, celebrate Baltimore creatives or go to a legendary concert.—
John Coffren,
Baltimore Sun,
22 May 2025
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His dark worldview is premised on the pessimistic presumption that the world will turn on the Jews if given the chance, which is why the Israeli leader has long prized hard power over diplomatic understandings.—
Yair Rosenberg,
The Atlantic,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Secretive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secretive. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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