General Opposites:
* Private: This is the most common and direct opposite, referring to something belonging to or intended for a particular person or group, not the general public.
* Secret: This implies something hidden or concealed from public knowledge.
* Personal: This refers to something belonging to or concerning a particular person, distinct from the public.
Specific Opposites:
* Internal: This is the opposite of public in the context of an organization, referring to something within the organization, not known or accessible to the public.
* Restricted: This indicates something limited or forbidden to the public.
* Exclusive: This implies something only accessible to a select group, not the general public.
Context Matters:
The best opposite for "public" will depend on the specific context and what you want to convey. For example, "private" might be the best opposite for "public school," while "secret" might be the best opposite for "public information."
Example:
"The company's finances are private, but the public has access to their annual report."