1
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
2
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
3
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of reticent
The concierge takes responsibility for all the aspects of cross-selling that customer-facing staff may be reticent to undertake, such as conversion tracking and knowing all the key internal contacts.
—
Marty Dauer,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Where the two artists differ is how Avedon imprinted his specific style on his art, while Howard is more reticent to do so.
—
Angelique Jackson,
Variety,
20 May 2026
Trump was notably out of character throughout his stay here, deferential to his host, marveling at displays of Chinese power and reticent to speak with the press.
—
Los Angeles Times,
17 May 2026
The English have always been a reticent lot and the smartphone has probably made this worse.
—
Literary Hub,
15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for reticent
Marty Dauer,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Where the two artists differ is how Avedon imprinted his specific style on his art, while Howard is more reticent to do so.
—
Angelique Jackson,
Variety,
20 May 2026
Trump was notably out of character throughout his stay here, deferential to his host, marveling at displays of Chinese power and reticent to speak with the press.
—
Los Angeles Times,
17 May 2026
The English have always been a reticent lot and the smartphone has probably made this worse.
—
Literary Hub,
15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for reticent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reticent
Adjective
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That silent fear comes back as an earnout, where you only get paid if that client stays.
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Beyond the music, there are festive parades, workshops for making puppets or gardening, a 5K run, yoga, silent discos and much more.
Adjective
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Serena’s name was on everyone’s lips, with fans chatting about the American’s chances and journalists jostling for position to get their hands on a reserved media seat.
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The canopy area featured reserved seating that was blocked off with more seats for fans to sit and watch the game in the shade.
Adjective
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The dimension that does the most good is the one leaders are most reluctant to give, because choice costs authority while enjoyment costs only money.
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Last week, sources told THR that studios were reluctant to pick up the film for a variety of reasons, including political concerns.
Adjective
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Swift and Kelce have been secretive about the guest list itself, and police have been advised to expect large crowds and paparazzi outside, according to the source.
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Opponents have criticized the project as the brainchild of secretive billionaires who bought up land via a shell company and tried to influence the state for support by hiring lobbyists close to the governor.
Adjective
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Since joining the winery, Melton has brought a restrained, classical sensibility to wines known for an ability to age.
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The world press was less restrained; the Post, the Daily Mail, the Hindustan Times, and many others ran screaming headlines, accompanied by photographs of the climbers purloined from social media.
Adjective
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His kids, though hesitant at first, became a large part of the business.
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The stock is catching the eye of short-sellers, but as CNBC’s Yun Li reports, many still seem hesitant about betting against Elon Musk.
Adjective
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What was once a quiet corner of the terminal – your reward for loyalty or a hefty annual fee – has turned into a cafeteria for the masses.
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Rather than succumb to the misery of its subject matter, Union County is about the quiet, tedious, and remarkable work that is getting and staying sober — the final product a testament to all that can be achieved.
Adjective
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Not all blondes are dumb, don’t judge a book by its cover, yada yada yada, lo and behold, Reese Witherspoon is a certified movie star.
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Though Cady has made some gestures toward helping the Bowdens, like his behind-the-scenes effort to get one of Anna’s death-row clients exonerated last week, Tom and Anna should not be so dumb as to ignore his ulterior motives.
Cite this Entry
“Reticent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reticent. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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