as in secretly
in a manner intended to prevent knowledge or awareness by others
she confided to me privately that she was considering divorce
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 privately
In circumstances similar to the ones surrounding the Cheboygan Lock and Dam's ongoing failure scare, the Midland area dams were old and undersized, privately owned, poorly maintained and on regulators' radar for years before a massive spring flood destroyed them.
—
CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
According to the house, its three most expensive paintings sold in 2025 were sold privately.
—George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Wines and spirits are also served, either privately in each pavilion or convivially at the communal table in the dining room or on the open terrace.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Paramount executives have also privately talked about the prospect of combining its CBS News unit with CNN, though any such merger would take time.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026
The Wales family is expected to celebrate Louis' birthday privately.
—Katie Kindelan, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
The development team is projecting that the museum, which will be privately financed, will reach annual attendance of 850,000 people by its third year in operation.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026
If approved, the ceremony must take place privately inside the facility, with all expenses borne by the detainee or their spouse.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
The girls from the best houses know they will be matched with the most powerful Commanders on the market, and yet each privately hopes to be the exception, like their friend Penny was.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2026
CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
According to the house, its three most expensive paintings sold in 2025 were sold privately.
—George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Wines and spirits are also served, either privately in each pavilion or convivially at the communal table in the dining room or on the open terrace.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Paramount executives have also privately talked about the prospect of combining its CBS News unit with CNN, though any such merger would take time.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026
The Wales family is expected to celebrate Louis' birthday privately.
—Katie Kindelan, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
The development team is projecting that the museum, which will be privately financed, will reach annual attendance of 850,000 people by its third year in operation.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026
If approved, the ceremony must take place privately inside the facility, with all expenses borne by the detainee or their spouse.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
The girls from the best houses know they will be matched with the most powerful Commanders on the market, and yet each privately hopes to be the exception, like their friend Penny was.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for privately
Adverb
-
Tiffany secretly wants Carolyn’s career success and freedom.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
-
In 1995, Jermaine—who had long since divorced Hazel Gordy—secretly married Oaziaza.—
Chris Murphy,
Vanity Fair,
24 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Fervo Energy filed confidentially in January for a geothermal IPO.—
Tenzin Seldon,
Fortune,
23 Apr. 2026
-
On Monday, Jersey Mike's confidentially filed for an initial public offering.—
Kevin Stankiewicz,Morgan Chittum,Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Privately.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/privately. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
