Definitions

in private

ADJECTIVE

off the record

Synonyms

WEAK

arcane backdoor classified hush-hush hushed inside not for publication not public on the Q.T. private privy secret unofficial

ADJECTIVE

secretive

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in chambers in privacy in the background in the dark on the Q.T. reserved silent tight-lipped undercover unforthcoming withdrawn zipped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.

In 2014, the Chinese leader, still relatively new to the presidency, hosted President Obama overnight at Zhongnanhai, where the two met in private over dinner.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

In other words, when investors trade Destiny Tech100, they are trading the fund’s shares with each other, not directly investing in private companies such as SpaceX or Anthropic.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

The prime minister has met the Health Secretary Wes Streeting in private – a meeting offered by Sir Keir Starmer to cabinet ministers after Tuesday's cabinet meeting and an offer Streeting took up.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Orna Guralnik, 62, is a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst in private practice and is on the faculty of New York University.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

At first, the Grimké sisters were invited by the American Anti-Slavery Society to discuss their experiences with slavery with small groups of women in private parlors.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

in private

Example Sentences

Related Words