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Definitions

secretive

[see-kri-tiv, si-kree-] / ˈsi krɪ tɪv, sɪˈkri- /
ADJECTIVE
uncommunicative
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in privacy in private in the background in the dark on the Q.T. reserved silent tight-lipped undercover unforthcoming withdrawn zipped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.

Unable to run tours into North Korea, he has been offering trips through border areas so customers can catch glimpses into the secretive state from a distance.

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

Iran's own process of picking its own leader is secretive in the quietest of times.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

Losing his job at the same time as he incurred $22,000 in debt over a secretive sports-card trading business may just be bad timing, but I can’t help feeling like the two events are related.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 2, 2026

Given the scale of Beijing’s financial and policy support and the secretive nature of some of these programs, it’s safe to say mastering fusion has become China’s Manhattan Project.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

We share secretive smiles as Connor continues to ramble on and on.

From "The Sea in Winter" by Christine Day

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.