reticent
reticent
adjectiveDefinition of RETICENT
1
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>
Related Words quiet, reserved, silent, taciturn, tight-lipped; discreet, prudent; clandestine, covert, furtive, hugger-mugger, secret, sneak, sneaky, stealthy, surreptitious, undercover, underhand, underhanded
Antonyms communicative, open
2
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>
Related Words aloof, indrawn, inhibited, introverted, reserved, restrained; sedate, self-contained, sober, staid; backward, bashful, coy, demure, diffident, modest, retiring, self-effacing, sheepish
Near Antonyms free-spoken, outspoken, vocal; gossipy, talebearing; diffuse, long-winded, prolix, rambling, verbose, windy, wordy; extroverted (also extraverted), gregarious, outgoing, sociable
Antonyms blabby, chatty, communicative, conversational, gabby, garrulous, loquacious, motormouthed, mouthy, talkative, talky, unreserved
3
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 cagey (also cagy), disinclined, dubious, indisposed, loath (also loth or loathe), reluctant, reticent
Related Words uneager, unenthusiastic; averse, unwilling; ambivalent, conflicted, doubtful, faltering, halting, indecisive, infirm, irresolute, questioning, skeptical, uncertain, undecided, unsure, vacillating, wobbly (also wabbly); fainthearted, shy, timid
Near Antonyms eager, enthusiastic, glad, happy, keen; ready, willing; certain, decided, determined, resolute, sure, unquestioning
