in private

Idioms  

1. Not in public; secretly, confidentially. For example, The hearings will be conducted in private, or May I speak to you in private? [Late 1500s] For an antonym, see in public.

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Example Sentences

If a default cycle kicks off, “bank lending is likely to emerge as more than an offset to the slowdown in private credit,” they write, adding that easing banking regulations will incentivize increased lending.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

That speed and dominance are reasons Elon Musk’s SpaceX is valued at about $1.3 trillion in private markets.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

But in private communications with the alleged victim, he invoked the investigation in an effort to persuade her to disavow the allegations, the Journal has reported.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Until there is greater clarity around credit conditions and liquidity dynamics, valuations in private markets are likely to remain under pressure.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

I don’t bother telling Mom she should have said something in private instead of in front of the whole office.

From "Starfish" by Akemi Dawn Bowman

Related Words

• covert
• enigmatic
• reticent
• taciturn