a small room, enclosed recess, or cabinet for storing clothing, food, utensils, etc.

a small private room, esp. one used for prayer, meditation, etc.

a state or condition of secrecy or carefully guarded privacy

Some conservatives remain in the closet except on election day. Gay liberation has encouraged many gay people to come out of the closet.

water closet.

private; secluded.

suited for use or enjoyment in privacy

closet reflections; closet prayer.

engaged in private study or speculation; speculative; unpractical

a closet thinker with no practical experience.

being or functioning as such in private; secret

a closet anarchist.

to shut up in a private room for a conference, interview, etc. (usually used in the passive voice)

The Secretary of State was closeted with the senator for three hours in a tense session.

noun

ambry , bin , buffet , cabinet , chest of drawers , clothes room , cold storage , container , depository , locker , receptacle , recess , repository , room , safe , sideboard , vault , walk-in , wardrobe , chamber , clothespress , coatroom , conceal , confidential , cuddy , cupboard , hidden , nearest , pantry , private , private room , secret , storeroom , theoretical

verb

confine , shut up