in private

phrase

Synonyms of in privatenext
: not openly or in public

Examples of in private in a Sentence

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.
There’s been about $40 million in private dollars committed so far. — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026 His firing comes after reporting by the New York Times, Mississippi Today and Verite News alleged Vanderford used racist slurs in private text conversations with a colleague. — Sophie Bates, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 Any oversight effort, if Democrats retake power in Washington come November, could scrutinize the office’s unprecedented pursuit of government stakes in private firms. — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026 The money issue is driving people into higher-paying dietitian jobs in private practice or outpatient clinics, or into other fields, like nursing, said Jason Fee. — Lauren Chan, STAT, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for in private

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of in private was in the 15th century

Rhymes for in private

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Browse Nearby Words

in-print
in private
in-process
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In private.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20private. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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