# closeted

/ˈkɫɑzətɪd/ (US) · /klˈɒzɪtɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/closeted
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

keeping an important part of yourself secret from other people, especially who you love or how you see your gender. You use it when someone has not told others yet because it does not feel safe.

For teachers: keeping one's sexual orientation, gender identity, or other important personal trait hidden from others. Typically used predicatively after 'be' or 'remain', and contrasted with being 'out'.

## Examples

- He stays closeted at work for now.
- She remains closeted with her family but is open with close friends.
- After years of living a closeted life in a small town, the writer finally shared his story in a memoir about fear and acceptance.

## Antonyms

out

## Usage notes

- Typically used predicatively after 'be', 'stay' or 'remain'; contrasted with 'out'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.