tight-lipped

adjective

ˈtīt-ˈlipt How to pronounce tight-lipped (audio)
Synonyms of tight-lippednext
1
: having the lips closed tight (as in determination)
2
: reluctant to speak : taciturn

Synonyms of tight-lipped

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Examples of tight-lipped in a Sentence

the cabinet official is usually tight-lipped about her private life
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.
Assembly members were tight-lipped in early September about specific reforms under consideration. — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 22 Oct. 2026 No casting announcements have yet been made, and the team was tight-lipped on whether any members of the original cast will return. — Essie Assibu, Variety, 21 Oct. 2026 Nivola and Britton are tight-lipped, preferring to let viewers find out for themselves. — Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026 Ternus is tight-lipped about how his approach to government affairs might differ from Cook’s. — Andrew R. Chow, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tight-lipped

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tight-lipped was in 1876

Rhymes for tight-lipped

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Browse Nearby Words

tightlining
tight-lipped
tightlock
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Cite this Entry

“Tight-lipped.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tight-lipped. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tight-lipped

adjective
-ˈlipt
1
: having the lips closed tight (as in determination)
2
: not liking to speak : taciturn
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