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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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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 State and local officials were reticent to weigh in on what the mortgage sale could mean for the Fiserv deal. Taylor O’Connor, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2025 Among the three, the Raptors have an accurate but reticent 3-point shooter (Ingram), an average shooter at OK frequency (Barrett) and a bad one (Barnes). Eric Koreen, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025 Short of a large-scale threat to its homeland or the collapse of its military, a nuclear-armed state will likely remain reticent to deploy nuclear weapons against a nonnuclear rival. Paul Avey, Foreign Affairs, 6 Mar. 2025 But his administration is hardly reticent about denouncing other countries’ internal conduct. Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for reticent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reticent
Adjective
  • Half of the speech is devoted to condemning slavery, its defenders and those who remain silent in its face.
    Frederic J. Fransen, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 July 2025
  • Once you’re negatively labeled, even your best work struggles to break through the silent barrier those words create.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • Tillman, who is generally more reserved than spotlight-chasing players in his role, strode up and shanked his attempt off the post to his left, perhaps hampered by the foul on his plant leg.
    Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 30 June 2025
  • The reserved Federal lands and interests in lands encompass approximately 0.12 acres.
    Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • The holdout Republicans remain reluctant to give their votes, and their leaders have almost no room to spare, given their narrow majorities.
    Glen Luke Flanagan, Fortune, 30 June 2025
  • Set during the American Revolutionary War, this historical drama features Mel Gibson as Benjamin Martin, a peaceful farmer who becomes a reluctant war hero after his family is threatened.
    Jené Luciani Sena may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Besides those aided by conductors in the secretive social network, many other freedom seekers traveled on their own.
    Susan DeGrane, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
  • Over 100 Roman Catholic cardinals, including one from Ohio, will gather in the Sistine Chapel and begin the secretive voting process.
    Alex Perry, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • Chief among them is that Iran's retaliatory strike turned out to be more restrained than many had feared.
    , CNBC, 24 June 2025
  • His cooking balances the delicate, restrained flavors of traditional kaiseki with the richer, more robust flavors he’s explored in Western kitchens.
    Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Yet Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) – which leads Germany’s coalition government – is hesitant.
    Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 6 July 2025
  • His defense at second base is also still evolving, too, which accentuates why the Astros are hesitant to summon him.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • The dock is still quiet, save for the sound of rigging and the familiar smell of salt air.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 9 July 2025
  • This silhouette features a quiet confidence through and through-bold, clean lines take the main stage on this pair.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Ratajkowski has been fighting the stereotype of the dumb model from the beginning of her career.
    Daniel Jackson, Allure, 18 July 2017
  • Ninety nine percent of all NFL players are explicitly not dumb.
    Andy Benoit, The MMQB, 10 July 2017

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Cite this Entry

“Reticent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reticent. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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