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 Nolan’s latest comes with even fewer plot or logline details than usual for the highly secretive filmmaker. —

Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024 On cross-examination by Madigan attorney Lari Dierks, Gallegos acknowledged Doherty never asked her to keep the subcontractor arrangement under wraps, and nothing about it seemed secretive. —

Megan Crepeau, Chicago Tribune, 18 Nov. 2024 The goal is to avoid building in regions that have seen a recent spate of cable cuts, which rely on a secretive global network of ships to repair. —

Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 29 Nov. 2024 The proceedings around the ICJ opinion have thus far been secretive. —

Jon McGowan, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for secretive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for secretive

Adjective

Importantly, this decision did not remove all agency deference just deference where the statute is either silent or ambiguous.

Joshua D. Smeltzer, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
The Kremlin remained silent on Assad’s whereabouts Monday, refusing to comment publicly on Russia’s decision to grant him asylum.

Sophie Tanno, CNN, 9 Dec. 2024