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 teenage assassin drama toggles between two separate but related story lines about the secretive mercenary Jin-man (Lee Dong-wook) and his precocious teenage niece, Ji-an (Kim Hye-jun). —

Simon Abrams, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024 The often secretive, bipartisan panel has investigated claims against Gaetz since 2021. —

Farnoush Amiri and Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024 The busy schedule began Monday night with what had been a secretive mission leading up to launch. —

Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 17 Dec. 2024 The cast that was involved in the most secretive elements of the season got the full scripts, but that was a very small portion of the creative folks involved. —

Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for secretive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for secretive

Adjective

In many organizations, there is a silent understanding that more hours equate to high performance.

Lieke ten Brummelhuis, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
The General Year: 1926 Runtime: 1h 15m Directors: Clyde Bruckman and Buster Keaton Truly classic comedies can be hard to find on streaming services, so take this chance to watch an all-timer, one of the best silent movies ever made.

Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2025