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arcane backdoor classified hush-hush hushed inside not for publication not public on the Q.T. private privy secret unofficial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in chambers in privacy in the background in the dark on the Q.T. reserved silent tight-lipped undercover unforthcoming withdrawn zipped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

Homosexuality was only partially decriminalised some six years later, in 1967, when the law changed to allow sex between two men "in private", so long as they were both over the age of 21.

From BBC • Jun. 13, 2026

The developer estimates the project will take 15 years to complete and require $1 billion to $2 billion in private, philanthropic and taxpayer funds that have yet to be secured.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2026

What did you learn from investing in private companies that informs your investments in public companies?

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

When he met journalists, he - frustratingly for us - hid his own frustrations and mostly said the same in private as he did in public.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

“You mind stepping out to talk with me in private for a minute? I won’t take up much of your time.”

From "The Season of Styx Malone" by Kekla Magoon

in private

Example Sentences

Related Words