close-mouthed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close-mouthed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is secretive or unwilling to speak about something. Example: "Despite the rumors circulating around the office, she remained close-mouthed about her plans for the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Then, gently kiss any part of your partner's neck with a closed mouth, as if you were giving your partner a close-mouthed kiss on the lips.

WikiHow

A mischievous, close-mouthed smile.

The New York Times

Court staff are a close-mouthed breed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mitt Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, was close-mouthed.

The New York Times

Other workers were also close-mouthed on Friday.

The New York Times

Mr. Kim, for one, is close-mouthed about his prospects.

The New York Times - Travel

Lobstermen are very close-mouthed about how much they make.

The New York Times

"Men in general are pretty close-mouthed about any cosmetic surgery," he said.

The New York Times - Health

Other Iwo Jima veterans were often as close-mouthed as his father, he found.

The New York Times - Books

That close-mouthed courage, I can't help feeling, was extraordinarily English.

The Guardian - Books

As is his wont, K-State coach Bill Snyder was close-mouthed about the injury after the game.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "close-mouthed" to describe someone who intentionally avoids speaking about certain topics, especially when discretion or secrecy is involved. For example: "The witness remained "close-mouthed" during the investigation".

Common error

Avoid using "close-mouthed" when simply describing someone who is quiet in general. It specifically implies a deliberate withholding of information, not just a lack of talkativeness. Use "quiet" or "introverted" instead for general silence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close-mouthed" functions as an adjective, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone or something as unwilling to speak or reveal information. Ludwig AI indicates that it's correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "close-mouthed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective to describe someone unwilling to speak or reveal information. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It’s suitable for various contexts, though primarily found in news and media. When writing, remember that "close-mouthed" specifically implies a deliberate withholding of information, not just general quietness. Alternatives include "tight-lipped" and "reticent", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tight-lipped

Emphasizes the physical aspect of keeping lips tightly closed to avoid speaking.

reticent

Focuses on a general unwillingness to speak freely, often due to shyness or discretion.

secretive

Highlights the act of keeping secrets, implying a deliberate withholding of information.

uncommunicative

Directly describes a lack of communication, without necessarily implying secrecy.

guarded

Suggests caution in speech, often due to a fear of revealing too much or being vulnerable.

reserved

Indicates a tendency to keep one's thoughts and feelings private, not necessarily related to a specific secret.

taciturn

Describes a person who is habitually silent or uncommunicative.

mute

Implies a complete silence, either voluntary or involuntary.

playing it cool

Suggests a deliberate effort to appear calm and collected by not revealing too much.

buttoned-up

Similar to "tight-lipped" but also suggests emotional constraint and formality.

FAQs

How can I use "close-mouthed" in a sentence?

You can use "close-mouthed" to describe someone who is unwilling to speak about something. For example: "The politician was "close-mouthed" about the new policy changes."

What's the difference between "close-mouthed" and "secretive"?

"Close-mouthed" specifically refers to a reluctance to speak, while "secretive" describes a general tendency to keep secrets.

What can I say instead of "close-mouthed"?

You can use alternatives such as "tight-lipped", "reticent", or "guarded", depending on the context.

Is "close-mouthed" formal or informal?

"Close-mouthed" is generally considered a neutral term, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "reticent" might be preferred in academic or professional writing.