privy 1 of 2

adjective

ˈpri-vē How to pronounce privy (audio)
Definition of privynext
1
as in confidential
not known or meant to be known by the general populace privy information on the current state of the peace negotiations

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in clandestine
undertaken or done so as to escape being observed or known by others privy meetings between high-level representatives from both sides for the purpose of bringing about an armistice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in personal
of, relating to, or belonging to a single person a privy seal that can be used only by the British monarch

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

privy

2 of 2

noun

as in outhouse

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of privy
Adjective
Alison isn’t privy to her parents’ secrets and there’s one in particular that’s been hidden from her that goes a long way in explaining her mother’s hot and cold demeanor. — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 17 June 2026 The Senate has approved a bipartisan resolution to prevent its own members from using prediction markets, banning senators who are often privy to sensitive information from making bets on upcoming events. — ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
In the time of the Founding Fathers the privy was also known as the necessary, being so instrumental to every person. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 12 Apr. 2025 That toilet has had issues during the mission, but even a half-functioning privy is better than Apollo's bathroom situation, which was super unfortunate, to say the least. — Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for privy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for privy
  1. confidential
  2. clandestine
  3. personal
  4. outhouse
  5. secret
  6. sneak
  7. subjective
  8. commode
Adjective
  • The Kremlin said the offer was made via confidential channels; Ukrainian officials have not publicly discussed any such proposal.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
  • The Supreme Court on Thursday let stand a lower-court order that forces former Fox News reporter Catherine Herridge to either disclose a confidential source or pay $800 a day in court sanctions.
    — Julian Mark, Washington Post, 2 July 2026
Definition of confidential
Adjective
  • That was a concern because other research has indicated the Chinese government has, at times, delayed public disclosure of vulnerabilities submitted to the program so they could later be used in clandestine cyberattacks.
    — Thomas Brewster, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • The screening usually focusses on clandestine hanky-panky, but this season the girls’ irreverence was so abundant that the producers treated them to an unprecedented second viewing night.
    — Lillian Fishman, New Yorker, 27 June 2026
Definition of clandestine
Adjective
  • Bryan West Madison Square Garden does hold personal significance for Swift.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • This podcast got me a boyfriend ever since Travis decided to use it as his personal dating app about two years ago.
    — Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Definition of personal
Noun
  • Today, moviegoers are eating out of R2-D2, Shrek's outhouse and even a sandworm from planet Arrakis.
    — Greta Cross, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • The outhouse is more compelling.
    — Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 12 June 2026
Definition of outhouse
Adjective
  • Adding this recipe's not-so-secret ingredient, Bisquick, is a game changer for classic sausage balls.
    — Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
  • Martin Sheen is the Army captain tasked with going on a secret mission to Cambodia to assassinate a special forces officer (Marlon Brando) who's gone rogue and might actually be nuts.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Definition of secret
Adjective
  • Get Ready: Katy Perry Has Released a Sneak Peek of Her New Song And the internet has receipts.
    — Mehera Bonner, Marie Claire, 15 Mar. 2017
Definition of sneak
Adjective
  • In soccer, the line between a yellow and a red card can be subjective, depending on the referee working the game that day and his or her interpretation of the play.
    — Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026
  • The Dolphins assuredly would rank in the bottom third of the league in the subjective category of talent.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
Definition of subjective
Noun
  • Its bath is impressive and includes extensive 1×1 tile work, a jetted tub, separate showers, and dual commodes in separate rooms.
    — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 31 May 2026
  • If falls happen at night during bathroom trips, consider a bedside commode.
    — Adaira Landry, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Definition of commode

Browse Nearby Words

privileging
privy
prize
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Cite this Entry

“Privy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/privy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of privy for Spanish Speakers

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