reticent

adjective

ˈre-tə-sənt How to pronounce reticent (audio)
Definition of reticentnext
1
as in silent
given to keeping one's activities hidden from public observation or knowledge the panel decided to investigate the fraud charges against the company, which has always been reticent about its internal operations

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in reserved
tending not to speak frequently (as by habit or inclination) her husband is by nature a reticent person, and she resigned herself to that fact long ago

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in reluctant
slow to begin or proceed with a course of action because of doubts or uncertainty understandably, she's reticent about becoming involved with another evangelical religious sect

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word reticent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of reticent are reserved, secretive, silent, and taciturn. While all these words mean "showing restraint in speaking," reticent implies a reluctance to speak out or at length, especially about one's own affairs.

was reticent about his plans

In what contexts can reserved take the place of reticent?

The words reserved and reticent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, reserved implies reticence and suggests the restraining influence of caution or formality in checking easy informal conversational exchange.

greetings were brief, formal, and reserved

When would secretive be a good substitute for reticent?

The words secretive and reticent can be used in similar contexts, but secretive, too, implies reticence but usually carries a suggestion of deviousness and lack of frankness or of an often ostentatious will to conceal.

the secretive research and development division

When might silent be a better fit than reticent?

The meanings of silent and reticent largely overlap; however, silent implies a habit of saying no more than is needed.

the strong, silent type

Where would taciturn be a reasonable alternative to reticent?

Although the words taciturn and reticent have much in common, taciturn implies a temperamental disinclination to speech and usually connotes unsociability.

taciturn villagers

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 reticent And despite being reticent with personal goals, Perez could smile at his biggest accomplishment. — Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026 Two of Range Rover’s most important markets have been particularly reticent about electrification. — James Morris, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026 Kelly was the reticent one in the couple, happy to let his wife gobble up the silences. — Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026 But other countries may be reticent to use the agency’s reviews in the future if changes like this pilot program compromise the agency’s ability to ensure the safety and effectiveness of experimental drugs entering the market. — C. Michael White, The Conversation, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for reticent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reticent
  1. silent
  2. reserved
  3. reluctant
  4. secretive
  5. restrained
  6. hesitant
  7. quiet
  8. dumb
Adjective
  • Don Henley compares the Eagles’ role there to the organist at a silent movie.
    — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • This was nearly a full day after the latest injury there, and park officials have remained silent about what necessitated the closure.
    — Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of silent
Adjective
  • Moody, who served as Florida’s attorney general when the settlement was approved, struck a more reserved note, appearing to distance herself from the investigation.
    — Liv Caputo, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Guzman Soto was quiet, reserved and religious and regularly attended local church groups and Bible studies, a 32-year-old neighbor who declined to give his name said.
    — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of reserved
Adjective
  • Families are making difficult decisions with some residents reluctant to leave their homes.
    — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The penalties are a key point because, though the judge could clear the players to be eligible, a school may still be reluctant to risk being penalized by the conference.
    — Seth Emerson, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of reluctant
Adjective
  • As if this weren’t enough for one day, Venus will also make its debut in the secretive and smoldering sign of Scorpio, where the love planet trades light-hearted flirtation for something deeper and way more intense.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
  • There are also increasing concerns that the Russia-Ukraine war could escalate, amid reports that CIA chief John Ratcliffe have made a secretive Moscow trip to warn Russia against attacking NATO.
    — Justina Lee, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of secretive
Adjective
  • Capacity growth, meanwhile, has remained relatively restrained.
    — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 31 Aug. 2026
  • With its warm minimal interiors and crisp, colorful furnishings, The Crescent Hotel, Fort Worth reflects the city's more restrained side.
    — Christine Lennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of restrained
Adjective
  • Determined to find her in real life, Ted talks a hesitant Lenny into joining him on a road trip to Clearwater Beach, Florida.
    — Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Determined to find her in real life, Ted talks a hesitant Lenny into joining him on a road trip to Clearwater Beach, FL.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of hesitant
Adjective
  • Staying upstairs is the quiet advantage with no lines, just an elevator ride to a nightcap under all that light.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Margot has left her field, and has moved to Hungary with her equestrian husband Sam (Rupert Friend), an uprooting that manifests as quiet disconnects between them.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of quiet
Adjective
  • America’s Semiquincentennial was celebrated across the country this summer with big, dumb, gluttonous fun.
    — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026
  • But the attention on Cunningham’s comments, the contrived outrage over a fictional trans athlete draft and dumb stunts by former NBA players may have helped drive more folks toward watching the league’s games.
    — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of dumb

Browse Nearby Words

reticency
reticent
retinue
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Cite this Entry

“Reticent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reticent. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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