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.
A little more than half of the endowment is in private investments and a little less than half is in public markets, Lee said. — Kevin Williams, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026 The funds to support the expansion include over $371 million from the Shapiro administration, $266 million in federal grants and another $200 million in private-sector investment. — Frederick Sutton Sinclair, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 The diamond has remained in private hands for over 70 years and has never before been offered for sale at auction. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026 The city has routinely voted on raises in private for top city employees including the manager, attorney and clerk, which attorneys previously told The Charlotte Observer was likely a violation of North Carolina open meetings laws. — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 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
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Cite this Entry

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

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