closet
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for closet, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small enclosed storage space, especially for clothes (mainly American usage).
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use closet
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French closet, a small private space, itself from clos ("enclosed") plus the diminutive ending -et.
Full origin of closet →Frequently asked questions
What does “closet” mean?
The word “closet” means a small enclosed storage space, especially for clothes (mainly American usage).
How do you pronounce “closet”?
“Closet” is pronounced KLO-ziht (/ˈklɑzɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “closet” in a sentence?
Here is “closet” used in a sentence: “She hung her coat in the hallway closet.”
What part of speech is “closet”?
Depending on how it is used, “closet” can be a noun, an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “closet” come from?
The word “closet” comes from Old French. From Old French closet, a small private space, itself from clos ("enclosed") plus the diminutive ending -et.
Is “closet” a common word?
“Closet” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “closet” have?
“Closet” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small enclosed storage space, especially for clothes (mainly American usage).
What is the difference between a 'closet' and a 'cupboard'?
In American English a closet is usually a small, walk-in or built-in storage space, especially for clothes, while 'cupboard' is the more common British word for an enclosed storage space with shelves. British speakers tend to use 'wardrobe' for clothes and 'cupboard' for other storage.
What is the difference between a 'closet' and a 'wardrobe'?
A closet is a built-in storage space, often a small room, mainly in American usage, while a wardrobe is typically a freestanding piece of furniture for hanging clothes. Both often describe clothes storage but differ in whether the space is part of the room or a separate unit.
What do 'in the closet' and 'come out of the closet' refer to?
These phrases use 'closet' in its adjective sense of something kept secret or hidden, especially about a person's identity. To be 'in the closet' is to keep that identity private, while to 'come out of the closet' is to reveal it openly.
What is the difference between a 'closet' and a 'cabinet'?
A closet is a storage space large enough to step into or built into a wall, while a cabinet is a smaller piece of furniture with doors and shelves, such as a kitchen or bathroom cabinet. You hang clothes in a closet but store dishes or medicine in a cabinet.