Phrase guide

skeleton in the closet

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A shameful secret.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US, idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: skeleton in the cupboard, skeleton in the house

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

a scandal that is kept secret

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • there must be a skeleton somewhere in that family's closet

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: skeleton, skeleton in the cupboard

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: scandal, outrage

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.