privy

15 synonyms and 1 antonym for privy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Adj — Having private or secret knowledge of something, especially information not shared with everyone.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

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Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

confidential

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

in on outhouse latrine secluded lavatory lav jakes

Synonyms by Meaning

1. adj

Having private or secret knowledge of something, especially information not shared with everyone.

“Only a handful of executives were privy to the merger talks.”

aware informed in on confidential outhouse latrine secluded secret

2. adj

Private or belonging to a particular individual, especially in formal or legal contexts.

“The privy council advised the monarch directly.”

Opposites

public

3. noun

An old-fashioned or rural outdoor toilet.

“The old farmhouse still had a privy out back.”

bathroom john lavatory lav toilet can jakes outhouse

How to use privy

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

privy to privy council

Etymology

From Old French privé, "private," from Latin privatus — the same root as the modern word "private," of which "privy" is a doublet.

Full origin of privy →

Frequently asked questions

What does “privy” mean?

The word “privy” means having private or secret knowledge of something, especially information not shared with everyone. In plain terms, either "in on" secret information, or (as a noun) an old-style outhouse toilet.

How do you pronounce “privy”?

“Privy” is pronounced PRIH-vee (/ˈpɹɪvi/ in IPA).

How do you use “privy” in a sentence?

Here is “privy” used in a sentence: “Only a handful of executives were privy to the merger talks.”

What part of speech is “privy”?

Depending on how it is used, “privy” can be an adjective and a noun.

Where does the word “privy” come from?

The word “privy” comes from Latin. From Old French privé, "private," from Latin privatus — the same root as the modern word "private," of which "privy" is a doublet.

Is “privy” a common word?

“Privy” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “privy” have?

“Privy” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: having private or secret knowledge of something, especially information not shared with everyone.

People also searched

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Nearby words

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