TIGHT-LIPPED Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

tight-lipped

adjective

ˈtīt-ˈlipt

Definition of tight-lipped

as in silent

tending not to speak frequently (as by habit or inclination) the cabinet official is usually tight-lipped about her private life

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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 tight-lipped Right now, Character Technologies is staying tight-lipped about which assets might sell, with a spokesperson only reiterating prior statements from the company’s press release and court filings to Ars. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 13 Oct. 2026 Most of them appear straightforward enough, if a bit tight-lipped — for instance, 17A’s clue, [Taps], and 36A’s, [Paws]. — Sean McGowan, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2026 Wedding attendees have mostly remained tight-lipped about any specifics from the ceremony and reception, including the bride and groom, who’ve not shared a single wedding portrait. — Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2026 The city’s corporation counsel has also been tight-lipped, with no comment on what settlements on the horizon could be behind the eye-popping increase. — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tight-lipped

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tight-lipped

Adjective

Star winger Lionel Messi, the MLS leader in assists and goals, was rather silent against Cincinnati, finishing with zero shots on target and a yellow card.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
There’s also a traveling circus, a silent film theater, The Speakeasy and a look inside the Dundee Daily News.

— Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of silent

Adjective

Doncic’s dueling personalities — the charismatic showman on the court and the reserved personality off it — overlap in his generosity.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Premier and reserved parking passes are both $65 on Ticketmaster.

— Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of reserved

Adjective

And that's exactly where Glenn was for the second time this season — guilty of the dumbest moment of the week.

— Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026
There’s a dumb ending, involving the Bewitched theme and Dennis Rodman discussing the perils of adult illiteracy (sure), but everything before that is pretty fun, including the Bumblebee Man turning into a bumblebee and Lisa into Albert Einstein.

— Joshua Kurp, Vulture, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of dumb

Adjective

Her perspective—consistently serene and largely without self-interest—lends the novel a restrained and gently contemplative tone.

— Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 2026
The hotel interprets this mantra through balanced proportions, restrained interiors, and a hospitality approach that favors comfort over excess.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of restrained

Browse Nearby Words

tight-knit

tight-lipped

tight-mouthed

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Tight-lipped.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tight-lipped. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of tight-lipped

adjective

Example Sentences

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