SECRETIVE Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'secretive' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of secretive are reserved , reticent , silent , and taciturn . While all these words mean "showing restraint in speaking," secretive , too, implies reticence but usually carries a suggestion of deviousness and lack of frankness or of an often ostentatious will to conceal. // the secretive research and development division

Q: When is it sensible to use 'reserved' instead of 'secretive'?

While in some cases nearly identical to secretive , reserved implies reticence and suggests the restraining influence of caution or formality in checking easy informal conversational exchange. // greetings were brief, formal, and reserved

Q: When can 'reticent' be used instead of 'secretive'?

The words reticent and secretive can be used in similar contexts, but reticent implies a reluctance to speak out or at length, especially about one's own affairs. // was reticent about his plans

Q: When could 'silent' be used to replace 'secretive'?

The meanings of silent and secretive largely overlap; however, silent implies a habit of saying no more than is needed. // the strong, silent type

Q: Where would 'taciturn' be a reasonable alternative to 'secretive'?

The synonyms taciturn and secretive are sometimes interchangeable, but taciturn implies a temperamental disinclination to speech and usually connotes unsociability. // taciturn villagers

secretive

adjective

ˈsē-krə-tiv

Definition of secretive next

as in silent

given to keeping one's activities hidden from public observation or knowledge the intelligence agency remained secretive despite the media's demands for more openness in government

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How is the word secretive distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of secretive are reserved, reticent, silent, and taciturn. While all these words mean "showing restraint in speaking," secretive, too, implies reticence but usually carries a suggestion of deviousness and lack of frankness or of an often ostentatious will to conceal.

the secretive research and development division

When is it sensible to use reserved instead of secretive?

While in some cases nearly identical to secretive, reserved implies reticence and suggests the restraining influence of caution or formality in checking easy informal conversational exchange.

greetings were brief, formal, and reserved

When can reticent be used instead of secretive?

The words reticent and secretive can be used in similar contexts, but reticent implies a reluctance to speak out or at length, especially about one's own affairs.

was reticent about his plans

When could silent be used to replace secretive?

The meanings of silent and secretive largely overlap; however, silent implies a habit of saying no more than is needed.

the strong, silent type

Where would taciturn be a reasonable alternative to secretive?

The synonyms taciturn and secretive are sometimes interchangeable, but taciturn implies a temperamental disinclination to speech and usually connotes unsociability.

taciturn villagers

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of secretive This Venus-Mars trine is stirring up deep emotional waters for you, as Cancer governs your eighth house of intimacy and transformation while Scorpio occupies your secretive 12th house of privacy and subconscious matters. —

Valerie Mesa, People.com, 8 Oct. 2024 That means the cameras go to their bedrooms and parties, but also to their For You pages on TikTok and their Snapchat DMs, much more secretive and dangerous places. —

Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2024 The Emory—the latest hotel from the hospitality group that also owns and operates famed London hotels Claridge’s and The Connaught—aims to be stylishly secretive. —

Elise Taylor, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2024 Surveys of the riparian areas of the park will continue in future years and restoration efforts along the Puerco River will include improving habitat for this secretive bird. —

Shaun McKinnon, The Arizona Republic, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for secretive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for secretive

Adjective

Wearing a dark grey suit, Williams mostly sat silent and stared ahead as the Trans’ relatives spoke Tuesday.

Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
Newsletter Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news Because there are typically no symptoms until the first fracture occurs, osteoporosis is considered a silent disease.

Jianying Zhang, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024