tight-lipped

adjective

ˈtīt-ˈlipt How to pronounce tight-lipped (audio)
Synonyms of tight-lippednext
1
: having the lips closed tight (as in determination)
2
: reluctant to speak : taciturn

Synonyms of tight-lipped

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Examples of tight-lipped in a Sentence

the cabinet official is usually tight-lipped about her private life
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The actress remained tight-lipped about what her character — who was best friends with titular detective Mare Sheehan (Kate Winslet), in Mare of Easttown — will get up to in Task. — Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026 Publicly, the Army has been tight-lipped about what, exactly, went wrong at the factory, located in a sprawling suburb called Mesquite. — Jesse Coburn, ProPublica, 12 Aug. 2026 As for the rest of the AFC Richmond’s men’s team, the series creators have been tight-lipped on whether fans will get to see any more returning faces. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Aug. 2026 Reportedly, SpaceX filings indicate total multi-phase investments could reach $119 billion, while partner Intel has pledged support despite remaining tight-lipped about the exact nature of its involvement. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tight-lipped

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tight-lipped was in 1876

Rhymes for tight-lipped

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Browse Nearby Words

tightlining
tight-lipped
tightlock
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Cite this Entry

“Tight-lipped.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tight-lipped. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tight-lipped

adjective
-ˈlipt
1
: having the lips closed tight (as in determination)
2
: not liking to speak : taciturn
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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