RETICENT Synonyms: 130 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

reticent

adjective

ˈre-tə-sənt

Definition of reticent next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of reticent Those athletes of today, recently stung by the vitriol of bigots and trolls, may wish to take heed of the lessons learned by this reticent hero from the previous century, a man whose quiet dignity spoke volumes. —

Robert Gudmestad, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2024 As enthusiastic Jupiter in your relationship zone conflicts with reticent Saturn in your introverted 4th house, you might be surprised by your reluctance. —

Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2024 Automakers are notoriously reticent to discuss their future product plans. —

Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 9 Nov. 2024 Some, like their political namesake, seem to be reticent with the press. —

Dan Greene, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reticent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reticent

Adjective

Three top concerns include elections and political turmoil that threaten progress, companies retreating or staying silent on DEI and ESG goals, and the rise of sustainability reporting that’s (temporarily) taking up companies’ time.

Andrew Winston, Harvard Business Review, 20 Dec. 2024
Those people did not tell the detectives, choosing instead to stay silent.

Keith Sharon, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024