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tight-lipped

adjective

ˈtīt-ˈlipt How to pronounce tight-lipped (audio)
Definition of tight-lippednext
as in silent
tending not to speak frequently (as by habit or inclination) the cabinet official is usually tight-lipped about her private life

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 tight-lipped Comedian Graham Norton, however, plans on remaining tight-lipped. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 14 Sep. 2026 Realtors who specialize in selling property on the Mile are also tight-lipped about their clients. — Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2026 Previously, the board had remained tight-lipped about the probe. — Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026 The proclamation does not specify any countries by name that this action applies to -- something the administration has been tight-lipped about. — Emily Chang, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tight-lipped
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tight-lipped
  1. silent
  2. reserved
  3. dumb
  4. restrained
Adjective
  • Confession has also been a way for artists to seize authority from systems that preferred them silent, decorative, or safely explained.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Each signature shoe was made the silent main character of a short movie.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of silent
Adjective
  • In Paper Tiger, there’s something more reserved and gentle about him.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Add scallions and garlic to reserved drippings in skillet; cook over medium-low, stirring constantly, until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of reserved
Adjective
  • Here, in this image of an ingenious skidding kitten—in both its brutality and its beautiful, dumb, playful resilience—lies the wisdom of Marcon’s art.
    — Matthew McLean, Artforum, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Combined with a brutal noon start time that provided no shade or relief throughout the game, the conditions meant there weren’t many fans brave enough, or quite frankly dumb enough, to endure a heat index of roughly 105 degrees.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of dumb
Adjective
  • The statements were positive but restrained, reflecting the pain inflicted by this saga.
    — Isaac Stanley-Becker, The Atlantic, 19 Sep. 2026
  • His restrained demeanor contrasts with Moreno, the brash former car dealer who entered politics as an outsider.
    — Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of restrained

Browse Nearby Words

tight-knit
tight-lipped
tight-mouthed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tight-lipped.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tight-lipped. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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