uncommunicative

adjective

ˌən-kə-ˈmyü-nə-ˌkā-tiv How to pronounce uncommunicative (audio)
Definition of uncommunicativenext
1
as in silent
deliberately refraining from speech the child was uncommunicative and unhelpful to school investigators

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in secretive
given to keeping one's activities hidden from public observation or knowledge intelligence agencies must be uncommunicative about their operations if they are to be at all effective

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in reserved
tending not to speak frequently (as by habit or inclination) resigned to the fact that her husband was always going to be an uncommunicative partner

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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 uncommunicative Dysfunctional families can look many different ways, but typically are controlling, secretive, neglectful, and uncommunicative. — Sherri Gordon, Parents, 15 Mar. 2026 Her high-school senior daughter Josie (Chloe East) is terse and uncommunicative with her, angry about how much space her mother’s drama has taken up in everyone else’s life. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 Feb. 2026 Whenever Conrad was at his most uncommunicative and avoidant, Jeremiah was waiting in the wings to offer uncomplicated affection and himbo charm. — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2025 Throughout the show, Conrad is forgiven by fans for being uncommunicative and avoidant. — Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for uncommunicative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncommunicative
  1. silent
  2. secretive
  3. reserved
  4. speechless
  5. quiet
  6. dumb
  7. mute
  8. reticent
Adjective
  • Final Thoughts The Hisense 8,000 BTU UltraSlim Smart Inverter is a standout window air conditioner that effortlessly balances sleek design, near-silent operation, and top-tier performance.
    — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The California Democratic Party opposes the measure, but many of its leading officials have stayed silent.
    — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of silent
Adjective
  • Infantino will on Thursday chair the first session of the 37-member FIFA Council since his secretive and divisive World Cup sell-off plan was revealed — and dropped within days — 11 weeks ago.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • In March of 2025, it was acquired by a secretive British collector—its first and only private owner.
    — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of secretive
Adjective
  • Top with reserved sausage and mushrooms, red onion, bell pepper, pepperoni and olives.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The reaction from the Greek government was decidedly more reserved, reflecting its desire to maintain close ties with Washington.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of reserved
Adjective
  • By the end, the audience is left almost speechless — and still thinking about this singular, deeply original performance long after Lyons has left the stage.
    — Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026
  • His friends, from brother Luigi (Charlie Day) to Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) veer in a similar direction, somehow coming across less fully formed and three-dimensional than their nearly speechless inspirations from Nintendo‘s flagship franchise.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 31 Mar. 2026
Definition of speechless
Adjective
  • Firms that know exactly where the line sits hold quiet advantages their competitors cannot purchase or replicate.
    — Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Glass admitted that as a young producer, he was intimidated by Adams and his quiet confidence.
    — Scott Detrow, NPR, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of quiet
Adjective
  • California is flush with dumb money and bad judgment, and an insatiable romance with an epic 1,200-mile shoreline.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • There were so many strangers ready to weigh in on my dumb life choices!
    — Sara Vilkomerson, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of dumb
Adjective
  • Like many mascots, the Demon Deacon is mute, so being able to ask and answer questions through body language and gestures is a critical skill.
    — Katie Riley, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Marceline Hugot, who plays Kathy Geiss, the mute daughter of GE’s boss Don Geiss, made a brief but thrilling appearance on trumpet.
    — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of mute
Adjective
  • The offense has been a little more reticent to play the kids by choice.
    — Sam McDowell October 12, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Gunn’s way of watching and noticing with the full weight of pure sympathy makes its way, with chiseled care, into a reticent eloquence.
    — Colm Tóibín, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of reticent

Browse Nearby Words

uncommunicable
uncommunicative
uncompassionate
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Cite this Entry

“Uncommunicative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncommunicative. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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