reticent

reticent

adjective

Definition 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>

Synonyms close, closemouthed, dark, reticent, tight-mouthed, uncommunicative

Related Words quiet, reserved, silent, taciturn, tight-lipped; discreet, prudent; clandestine, covert, furtive, hugger-mugger, secret, sneak, sneaky, stealthy, surreptitious, undercover, underhand, underhanded

Near Antonyms candid, frank, honest, out-front, up-front; blunt, outspoken, tactless

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>

Synonyms closemouthed, dumb, laconic, reserved, reticent, taciturn, tight-lipped, uncommunicative

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

Antonyms disposed, inclined