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, secretive, tight-mouthed, uncommunicativeRelated Words quiet, reserved, silent, taciturn, tight-lipped; discreet, prudent; clandestine, covert, furtive, hugger-mugger, secret, sneak, sneaky, stealthy, surreptitious, undercover, underhand, underhandedNear Antonyms candid, frank, honest, out-front, up-front; blunt, outspoken, tactlessAntonyms 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, silent, taciturn, tight-lipped, uncommunicativeRelated Words aloof, indrawn, inhibited, introverted, reserved, restrained; sedate, self-contained, sober, staid; backward, bashful, coy, demure, diffident, modest, retiring, self-effacing, sheepishNear Antonyms free-spoken, outspoken, vocal; gossipy, talebearing; diffuse, long-winded, prolix, rambling, verbose, windy, wordy; extroverted (also extraverted), gregarious, outgoing, sociableAntonyms 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, hesitantRelated Words uneager, unenthusiastic; averse, unwilling; ambivalent, conflicted, doubtful, faltering, halting, indecisive, infirm, irresolute, questioning, skeptical, uncertain, undecided, unsure, vacillating, wobbly (also wabbly); fainthearted, shy, timidNear Antonyms eager, enthusiastic, glad, happy, keen; ready, willing; certain, decided, determined, resolute, sure, unquestioningAntonyms disposed, inclined