Definition of closetnext
1
as in pantry
a built-in space for storage behind a door a broom closet for the vacuum, carpet sweeper, ironing board, etc.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in room
an area within a building that has been set apart from surrounding space by a wall a huge walk-in closet

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

closet

2 of 3

verb

closet

3 of 3

adjective

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of closet
Noun
Useful under cabinets, inside closets and in dark hallways where outlets are limited. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026 And the same organizing principles used to corral chaos in that closet can be used by the rest of us. — Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
For everyday storage, a boot rack or closet shelf can keep pairs organized and upright. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2026 Despite being publicly anti-gay, however, Cohn himself was secretly closeted. — Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
Here, four Aupen Nirvana bag options — ranging in price from $340 to $420 — that will quickly become closet staples and enrich your ensembles for years to come, no matter how the trend cycle shape-shifts. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2025 Cool Knits No matter the season, a lightweight yet luxurious knit is a forever closet classic—and this spring the offerings are as cool as ever. — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for closet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for closet
Noun
  • California consumers might want to take a closer look at their refrigerators, freezers and pantries.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Move items off the counter and onto vertical surfaces, cabinet interiors, pantry doors and refrigerator sides so work zones stay clear.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The backstory In a city packed with hotel chains that often feel too buttoned-up, this 83-room boutique property stands out for its free and creative spirit.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Guillén’s email did not say where in the room the alive one was found.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Revitalift products have been in my mom’s bathroom cupboard for some time.
    — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The front cupboard hatch door, meanwhile, folds down to access the interior and create another surface for work and storage.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Tourist attractions abound—from colorful boutique shops to enticing coffee roasters—many housed in the pale-yellow, former government buildings.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The museum, leaders announced on Wednesday, will also house a genealogy center that will be intended to help visitors preserve family history through the company FamilySearch.
    — Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • As Béatrice’s amateur detective work pulls her in deeper, the strands begin to suggest a conspiracy, one marked by mysterious disappearances and the clandestine sway of the Vatican.
    — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Other entries referenced covert access, clandestine technical operations and telecommunications interception.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Five members of Hill’s 10-person cabinet have left or announced plans to leave in recent weeks, according to district records reviewed by the Observer.
    — Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Soon, the president of the United States (John Goodman) and his cabinet of fawning nitwits come to Casa Digger — because that’s how powerful Digger is — to plan the response.
    — David Mack, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • In the air, stealth aircraft require covert, point-to-point laser links to exchange target data without revealing their position to adversary direction-finding systems.
    — Rohit Jha, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026
  • In early January, the United States captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in a covert military operation.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Their lockers in the home clubhouse are just steps away from each other.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • To avoid bear encounters, Fish and Wildlife recommends removing unsecured food from cars and tents, using bear-resistant food canisters or bear lockers, and regularly disposing trash.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Closet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/closet. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on closet

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!