SECRETIVE: Synonyms and Related Words. What is Another Word for SECRETIVE?

Need another word that means the same as “secretive”? Find 15 synonyms and 30 related words for “secretive” in this overview.

The synonyms of “Secretive” are: close, closelipped, closemouthed, tightlipped, uncommunicative, secret, unforthcoming, reticent, taciturn, silent, quiet, reserved, introverted, self-contained, discreet

Secretive as an Adjective

Definitions of "Secretive" as an adjective

According to the Oxford Dictionary of English, “secretive” as an adjective can have the following definitions:

• (of a person's expression or manner) having an enigmatic or conspiratorial quality.
• (of a person or an organization) inclined to conceal feelings and intentions or not to disclose information.
• Inclined to secrecy or reticence about divulging information.
• (of a state or activity) characterized by the concealment of intentions and information.

Synonyms of "Secretive" as an adjective (15 Words)

close	Close in relevance or relationship. A close election.
closelipped	Inclined to secrecy or reticence about divulging information.
closemouthed	Inclined to secrecy or reticence about divulging information.
discreet	Careful and prudent in one’s speech or actions, especially in order to keep something confidential or to avoid embarrassment. A discreet investor.
introverted	(of a community, company, or other group) concerned principally with its own affairs; inward-looking or parochial.
quiet	Free of noise or uproar; or making little if any sound. A quiet audience at the concert.
reserved	Set aside for the use of a particular person or party. A reserved seat.
reticent	Not revealing one’s thoughts or feelings readily. She was extremely reticent about her personal affairs.
secret	Of information given in confidence or in secret. A secret alcoholic.
self-contained	Constituting a complete and independent unit in and of itself.
silent	Saying or recording nothing on a particular subject. A silent dog whistle.
taciturn	(of a person) reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little. After such gatherings she would be taciturn and morose.
tightlipped	Inclined to secrecy or reticence about divulging information.
uncommunicative	Not inclined to talk or give information or express opinions. The uncommunicative Emily disappeared.
unforthcoming	(of something required) not ready or made available when wanted or needed. With money unforthcoming from the company the project has had to be delayed.

Usage Examples of "Secretive" as an adjective

• A secretive smile.
• Secretive deals.
• She was very secretive about her past.

Associations of "Secretive" (30 Words)

abstruse	Difficult to penetrate; incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding or knowledge. The professor s lectures were so abstruse that students tended to avoid them.
arcane	Requiring secret or mysterious knowledge. Arcane procedures for electing people.
artful	Not straightforward or candid; giving a false appearance of frankness- David Cannadine. An artful photograph of a striking woman.
clandestine	Conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods. She deserved better than these clandestine meetings.
concealed	Hidden on any grounds for any motive. Concealed or hidden damage.
covert	A feather covering the base of a main flight or tail feather of a bird. Covert funding for the rebels.
crafty	Marked by skill in deception. They are looking for crafty people to join the group to make ornaments.
cunning	Ingenious. Plants have evolved cunning defences.
elusive	Difficult to describe. That elusive thing the soul.
esoteric	Confined to and understandable by only an enlightened inner circle. Esoteric philosophical debates.
esoterica	Esoteric or highly specialized subjects or publications. A professor of such esoterica as angelology and comparative shamanism.
furtive	Suggestive of guilty nervousness. He stole a furtive glance at her.
guard	The person who plays the position of guard on a basketball team. There would be men guarding the horses.
guile	The quality of being crafty. He used all his guile and guts to free himself from the muddle he was in.
hidden	Kept out of sight; concealed. A hidden cave.
incognito	Without revealing one’s identity. In order to observe you have to be incognito.
insidious	Working or spreading in a hidden and usually injurious way. Sexual harassment is a serious and insidious problem.
invisible	Invisible exports and imports. An invisible hinge.
obscure	Make obscure or unclear. An obscure flaw.
recondite	Difficult to penetrate; incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding or knowledge. Some recondite problem in historiography.
secret	Of information given in confidence or in secret. A secret marriage.
sly	Showing in an insinuating way that one has some secret knowledge that may be harmful or embarrassing. A sly sip of water.
sneak	Someone who prowls or sneaks about usually with unlawful intentions. Stead of sneaking around spying on the neighbor s house.
stealthy	Marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed. Stealthy footsteps.
subtle	(of a mixture or effect) delicately complex and understated. A subtle difference.
surreptitious	Kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of. A surreptitious glance at his watch.
tricky	Not to be trusted. Applying eyeliner can be a tricky business.
undercover	Conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods. An undercover police operation.
unopened	Not opened. Unopened mail.
wily	Skilled at gaining an advantage, especially deceitfully. A wily old attorney.