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arcane backdoor classified hush-hush hushed inside not for publication not public on the Q.T. private privy secret unofficial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in chambers in privacy in the background in the dark on the Q.T. reserved silent tight-lipped undercover unforthcoming withdrawn zipped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.

During the "honeymoon", Lizzie said her onscreen husband often lost his temper in private.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

The Chinese leader, Trump told Fox News in an interview, was “all business” in private, as well, apparently uninterested in his overtures of personal goodwill.

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026

Some investors who have backed the three heavyweights in private markets are poised to cash out, potentially positioning them for the next round of tech companies.

From Barron's • May 17, 2026

Thousands of individuals have invested in private companies such as SpaceX, Anthropic and OpenAI, using online platforms meant to bring the hottest opportunities to the masses.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

It helped me relax to hold an old Harry Potter wand I use as a fake microphone when I sing in private.

From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan

in private

Example Sentences

Related Words