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arcane backdoor classified hush-hush hushed inside not for publication not public on the Q.T. private privy secret unofficial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in chambers in privacy in the background in the dark on the Q.T. reserved silent tight-lipped undercover unforthcoming withdrawn zipped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

Matthews China Innovators Active is run by Asia investor Tiffany Hsiao, who returned to Matthews last year after a period of investing in private companies in Asia for Artisan Partners.

From Barron's • Jun. 23, 2026

“Given that people in this study were donating in private, these types of experiments provide a conservative test of whether giving to other people can increase positive mood,” Whillans told the university.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 20, 2026

Now in private practice, he specializes in full-body MRIs, which look for fat that can be a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and metabolic syndrome.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 18, 2026

The inquiry also faced a number of legal challenges from families over issues such as its refusal to call health ministers and some of the hearings being held in private.

From BBC • Jun. 17, 2026

“I want war like I want polio,” Johnson groaned in private.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin

in private

Example Sentences

Related Words