Definition

Adjective: * Reluctant to speak; secretive; reticent: Describes a person who is unwilling to share information, talk freely, or reveal secrets. It implies a deliberate closing of the lips, both literally and figuratively, to prevent speech.

Usage and Examples

The adjective "tightlipped" is used to describe a person's behavior or demeanor, especially in situations involving private, sensitive, or confidential information.

• Example 1:
• Example 2:
• Example 3:

Advanced Usage

• Comparative and Superlative Forms: "more tightlipped," "most tightlipped." While "tightlipped" is a compound adjective, these comparative forms are standard.
  • Of all the officials, the general was the most tightlipped.
• Adverbial Form: "tightlipped" can be used with verbs like "remain," "stay," or "be."
  • He remained tightlipped throughout the entire interrogation.

Variants and Related Words

• Tight-lipped (adjective): This is a common hyphenated spelling variant of "tightlipped." Both forms are correct.
• Tightlippedness (noun, rare): The state or quality of being tightlipped.
• Close-lipped (adjective): A near-synonym with the same meaning.

Synonyms

• Reticent: Unwilling to speak freely; reserved.
• Secretive: Inclined to conceal information or feelings.
• Mum: (Informal) Silent, refusing to speak.
• Uncommunicative: Not willing to talk or give information.
• Closemouthed: Similar to close-lipped; not talking much.

Antonyms

• Talkative
• Loquacious
• Garrulous
• Forthcoming
• Candid

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To keep one's lips sealed / To be tight-lipped: To say nothing, especially about a secret.
  • I promised to keep my lips sealed about the surprise party.
• To clam up: (Informal phrasal verb) To suddenly become silent and refuse to speak.
  • He clammed up as soon as the police started asking questions.

Adjective

1. inclined to secrecy or reticence about divulging information
   • although they knew her whereabouts her friends kept close about it