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Definitions

secretive

[see-kri-tiv, si-kree-] / ˈsi krɪ tɪv, sɪˈkri- /
ADJECTIVE
uncommunicative
Synonyms
STRONGEST
covert enigmatic reticent taciturn
WEAK
backstairs buttoned-up cagey clammed up close close-mouthed cryptic feline furtive hushed in chambers in privacy in private in the background in the dark on the Q.T. reserved silent tight-lipped undercover unforthcoming withdrawn zipped
Antonyms
STRONGEST
communicative
WEAK
forthright honest open

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A few years later, a disinformation watchdog said the app allowed suspicious figures to identify and track security personnel working at secretive bases in Israel.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

Turkmenistan is one of the most secretive countries in the world.

From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026

Losing his job at the same time as he incurred $22,000 in debt over a secretive sports-card trading business may just be bad timing, but I can’t help feeling like the two events are related.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 2, 2026

Corrie Driebusch writes about the most buzzed-about initial public offerings and secretive private companies for The Wall Street Journal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 24, 2026

With a secretive smile, he asks, “Busy tomorrow?”

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.