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arcane backdoor classified hush-hush hushed inside not for publication not public on the Q.T. private privy secret unofficial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in chambers in privacy in the background in the dark on the Q.T. reserved silent tight-lipped undercover unforthcoming withdrawn zipped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

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in private

More than half of all Medicare enrollees are in private plans.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 2026

Macpherson said the case had been discussed in private "to protect the identities of victims".

From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2026

A spokesperson said taxi licensing hearings are held in private and the precise reasoning for a revocation are not made public.

From BBC ● Jul. 2, 2026

Consensus estimate is for a 118,000 increase in private employment, slightly less than May’s 122,000 gain.

From Barron's ● Jun. 30, 2026

She was supposed to be extraordinarily gifted, and she took all her classes in private with Sister Ailan.

From "Huntress" by Malinda Lo

in private

Example Sentences

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