adj

closeted

KLO-zih-tihd

Closeted (adj) means not open about one's sexual orientation or gender identity. Example: “He remained closeted at work for years before coming out to colleagues.”

adj

Not open about one's sexual orientation or gender identity.

"He remained closeted at work for years before coming out to colleagues."

Shut away in private, often for a serious discussion.

"The negotiators stayed closeted in the boardroom until well past midnight."

How to use closeted

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishKept hidden or shut away privately — today used mostly about someone not openly out about their sexuality.

Common pairings

closeted gay man closeted in a meeting

Word forms

more closeted comparative, most closeted superlative

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He remained _____ at work for years before coming out to colleagues.

Etymology

From closet plus the adjective-forming suffix -ed.

Rhymes for closeted

deleted coveted depleted pocketed targeted completed interpreted skyrocketed multifaceted

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of closeted?

"closeted" (adj) means not open about one's sexual orientation or gender identity.

What are the different meanings of closeted?

"closeted" has 2 main meanings: 1. Not open about one's sexual orientation or gender identity; 2. Shut away in private, often for a serious discussion.

How do you use closeted in a sentence?

Example: "He remained closeted at work for years before coming out to colleagues."