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arcane backdoor classified hush-hush hushed inside not for publication not public on the Q.T. private privy secret unofficial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in chambers in privacy in the background in the dark on the Q.T. reserved silent tight-lipped undercover unforthcoming withdrawn zipped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

The carried interest awards follow BlackRock’s multiyear acquisition-driven expansion in private markets.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

Growth in private consumption and corporate investment contributed to the expansion, according to the cabinet office data.

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

Other pieces have sold for higher prices in private sales.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

The Chinese leader, Trump told Fox News in an interview, was “all business” in private, as well, apparently uninterested in his overtures of personal goodwill.

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026

I suppose they might have talked to their closest friends in private.

From "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro

in private

Example Sentences

Related Words