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arcane backdoor classified hush-hush hushed inside not for publication not public on the Q.T. private privy secret unofficial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in chambers in privacy in the background in the dark on the Q.T. reserved silent tight-lipped undercover unforthcoming withdrawn zipped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

The design is familiar and resembles Telegram, offering private messages, public channels and cute stickers.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

Aside from teaching at WundaBar and offering private training, Hayward aspires to have her own space and develop her own workout method.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 15, 2025

We discovered the man is still offering private online tuition.

From BBC • Oct. 2, 2024

For fans of Ian Fleming as wealthy as Goldfinger, the tour operator Black Tomato is offering private adventures inspired by the Bond films.

From Washington Post • Nov. 8, 2022

The perennial mustard-pots and salt-cellars are monotonous, and while comparative strangers may be driven to make a conventional offering, private friends might leave the groove and strike out a new line.

From The Etiquette of Engagement and Marriage Describing Modern Manners and Customs of Courtship and Marriage, and giving Full Details regarding the Wedding Ceremony and Arrangements by Devereux, G. R. M.

in private

Example Sentences

Related Words