Synonyms for

Private

Verb / ˈpraɪvʌt / Another word for private — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

belonging to or for the use of one particular person or group of people only; not for public use or knowledge

Synonyms & similar words

commonsoldier secret individual buckprivate public confidential secret personal exclusive restricted privileged secluded isolated hidden discreet individual nonpublic reserved intimate sequestered retired solitary inaccessible undisclosed proprietary

Synonyms by register

Formal

confidential restricted personal individual

Informal

personal just for you off the record

Literary

secluded unseen hidden

Antonyms

public open official common shared general known

Common collocations

  • private property
  • private life
  • private sector
  • private conversation
  • private investigator
  • private room
  • private collection
  • private practice

Word family

noun privacy
adverb privately

Usage note

As an adjective, 'private' often contrasts with 'public'. It can also refer to something not officially sanctioned or belonging to an individual rather than a group.

Example sentences

  1. I have a private room where I can study in peace.
  2. The company's financial information is kept private.
  3. He prefers to keep his personal life private.
  4. The beach is in a private location and is not accessible to the public.
  5. The private investigator was hired to solve the mystery.

Quotes

  • The more things are forbidden, the more popular they become. - Mark Twain
  • A man is his own easiest dupe, for what he wishes to be true he generally believes to be true. - Demosthenes
  • The best way to keep one's word is not to give it. - Napoleon Bonaparte

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