like a clam

ADJECTIVE

discreet

Synonyms

STRONGEST

attentive careful considerate intelligent noncommittal prudent reasonable restrained tactful thoughtful watchful

WEAK

alert awake cagey calculating chary circumspect civil conservative controlled diplomatic discerning discriminating gingerly guarded having foresight heedful judicious moderate not rash observant on lookout politic precautious reserved safe sagacious strategic temperate vigilant wary wise worldly-wise

Antonyms

STRONGEST

careless heedless idiotic inattentive incautious inconsiderate negligent stupid thoughtless unmindful unthoughtful

WEAK

foolish indiscreet rash reckless uncareful undiscerning

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.

like a clam

“It’s like a clam note when we look at it. We turn away and clear our throats a little each time we see it.”

From Washington Post ● Jan. 8, 2022

“You can turn a handle so the thing opens and closes like a clam under the ocean.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 1, 2021

He thinks a sentence should slide down the gullet like a clam, hardly touching the sides.

From New York Times ● Aug. 26, 2019

But at the hips arose a massive pink fabric fan, like a clam shell.

From Reuters ● Feb. 10, 2019

Then she shuts up like a clam, she does.

From "The Inquisitor's Tale" by Adam Gidwitz