closeted

adjective

clos·​et·​ed ˈklä-zə-təd How to pronounce closeted (audio)
ˈklȯ-
Synonyms of closetednext
: closet entry 3 sense 3
a closeted gay man

Examples of closeted in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Joe, who grew up a closeted teen in Kansas City facing abuse by his father, hits the road hitchhiking. — Caroline Killilea, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026 The actors spent time forging the kind of intimate charge that could be felt in wordless glances between their closeted characters. — Jen Yamato, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026 Kiyoko has evolved from a closeted Disney Channel star to an artist that sells out global tours and has released three albums, four extended plays, and 40 singles. — Kenneal Patterson, Vanity Fair, 19 June 2026 The film centers on a pickpocket who survives by exploiting the desires of closeted men, until his detached worldview is upended when one of his marks returns seeking closeness rather than settling scores. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for closeted

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of closeted was in 1969

Rhymes for closeted

See All Rhymes for closeted

Browse Nearby Words

closet drama
closeted
close the door
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Closeted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/closeted. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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