closeted

[ kloz-i-tid ]

adjective

1. functioning in private; secret; closet.

Other Words From

• un·closet·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of closeted¹

First recorded in 1675–85; closet + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Rollins considered joining the military but decided not to because he feared being outed or discharged as a closeted gay man under the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy at the time.

From Los Angeles Times

The pair didn't come out until their careers with Disney were long over — showcasing Lovato and Symoné were closeted most of their very public adolescence.

From Salon

Or, as a “Queer Eye”-inspired skit from the animated spoof series “Robot Chicken” puts it, he’s “a closeted recluse with a penchant for steampunk accouterments.”

From Los Angeles Times

In a response, Owens has been widely declaring she feels sorry for him because he’s obviously a closeted gay man.

From Salon

After the show Dani, my friend Jamie and I got dinner, and we talked about my life as a closeted nonbinary person.

From Los Angeles Times