closeted

1 of 2

adjective

clos·​et·​ed ˈklä-zə-təd 

ˈklȯ-

: closet entry 3 sense 3

a closeted gay man

closeted

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of closet entry 2

Examples of closeted in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

As of this writing, no such thing has occurred because of Heated Rivalry or any other factor, and the secrets of closeted gay NHL players are safe for now. — Literary Hub, 21 Sep. 2026

Karim, a closeted gay man married to Ameena, and his lover Sukka, a man trying to break free of caste, sit at the center of that approach. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026

The pair fall deeply in love with each other, but the closeted nature of their relationship puts stress on their dynamic — until the Admirals win the Stanley Cup weeks later and Scott celebrates by kissing Kip on the ice, coming out publicly. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Aug. 2026

The titular gang comprises Mac (McElhenney), a closeted wannabe tough guy; the narcissistic prepster Dennis (Glenn Howerton); Dennis’s chronically unsure fraternal twin, Dee (Kaitlin Olson); and the bar’s buffoonish janitor, Charlie (Charlie Day). — Paula Mejía, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1969, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for closeted

• posited
• composited
• deposited
• electrodeposited
• redeposited