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 Donald has been even more reticent, making only a few public comments as his daughter gained prominence. —

Evan Osnos, The New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2024 As the Pumpkins’ album sales steadily declined with each new release, a cautious Virgin Records became reticent to indulge Corgan, first by rejecting a longer double CD version of Machina/The Machines of God and then declining to release the leftover songs as its own sequel album. —

Al Shipley, SPIN, 17 Aug. 2024 The Bottom Line CPAs and wealth advisers may be reticent or even prohibited from helping advise you on the CTA because of their risking UPL, the unauthorized practice of law. —

Martin Shenkman, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024 The species, while known, was so reticent or rare that it was only spotted around 20 times prior. —

Ashley Balzer Vigil, Discover Magazine, 10 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reticent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reticent

Adjective

Wearing a dark grey suit, Williams mostly sat silent and stared ahead as the Trans’ relatives spoke Tuesday.

Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
Newsletter Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news Because there are typically no symptoms until the first fracture occurs, osteoporosis is considered a silent disease.

Jianying Zhang, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024