Synonyms of reticent

reticent

adjective

ˈre-tə-sənt 

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

• silent
• secretive
• quiet
• close
• uncommunicative
• prudent
• closemouthed
• dark
• discreet
• taciturn
• reserved
• tight-mouthed
• tight-lipped
• surreptitious
• clandestine
• furtive
• sneaky
• covert
• stealthy
• undercover
• secret
• sneak
• underhanded
• underhand
• hugger-mugger

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• open
• communicative
• frank
• candid
• honest
• outspoken
• blunt
• up-front
• out-front
• tactless

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

• silent
• reserved
• restrained
• dumb
• taciturn
• laconic
• uncommunicative
• tight-lipped
• aloof
• closemouthed
• introverted
• inhibited
• bashful
• diffident
• sedate
• staid
• sheepish
• coy
• modest
• backward
• retiring
• indrawn
• demure
• self-effacing
• sober
• self-contained

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• talkative
• communicative
• vocal
• outspoken
• loquacious
• garrulous
• chatty
• conversational
• talky
• mouthy
• unreserved
• gossipy
• gabby
• blabby
• verbose
• diffuse
• motormouthed
• free-spoken
• prolix
• outgoing
• wordy
• extroverted
• gregarious
• sociable
• windy
• rambling
• extraverted
• long-winded
• talebearing

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

• reluctant
• hesitant
• loath
• unsure
• skeptical
• dubious
• disinclined
• unwilling
• cagey
• cagy
• loth
• loathe
• uncertain
• timid
• indisposed
• averse
• unenthusiastic
• doubtful
• ambivalent
• conflicted
• questioning
• uneager
• irresolute
• shy
• wobbly
• indecisive
• faltering
• infirm
• undecided
• wabbly
• halting
• vacillating
• fainthearted

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inclined
• eager
• enthusiastic
• happy
• keen
• willing
• glad
• ready
• disposed
• decided
• certain
• sure
• resolute
• determined
• unquestioning

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

Recent Examples of reticent

To the extent that this is the case, why would New Mexico be reticent to have New Mexico State join the Mountain West? —Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025

There’s a couple of reasons for Utah being reticent to sell. —Pierre Lebrun, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025

In the past, developers and politicians have been reticent to challenge it in court or reform it. —Lia Russell, Sacramento Bee, 27 Jan. 2025

Biggest obstacles: Even though finding another Garrett in the draft is unlikely, the 49ers are probably reticent to give up that much draft capital. —Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!