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arcane backdoor classified hush-hush hushed inside not for publication not public on the Q.T. private privy secret unofficial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in chambers in privacy in the background in the dark on the Q.T. reserved silent tight-lipped undercover unforthcoming withdrawn zipped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

Since equity is junior to debt in the capital hierarchy, investors in private equity should be especially worried whenever private credit gets into trouble.

From MarketWatch • May 22, 2026

For most of us, the best advice is to run, not walk, away from investing in private equity.

From MarketWatch • May 22, 2026

“Companies are staying private for much longer. If you’re not getting access in private rounds, you’re missing a lot of the growth,” he said.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

Companies are staying private longer because of the 2002 Sarbanes-Oxley Act’s burdensome regulations, shareholder litigation and abundant financing available in private markets.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

Some of the art listed was in private homes, owned by Jewish families.

From "Salt to the Sea" by Ruta Sepetys

in private

Example Sentences

Related Words