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
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
Parvati was very appropriately reticent to work with me, which is understandable.
—
EW.com, 16 Jan. 2025
Over the past week, the answer from managers, recruitment staff, sporting and Academy directors has been mixed — critical, reticent and quietly hopeful.
—Michael Walker, The Athletic, 20 Mar. 2025
Just for the sake of inconsistency, there also are a slew of reticent sellers who believe that the bull market has lots more runway; as evidenced by a recent mini-burst of hostile takeover bids.
—Dan Primack, Axios, 10 Feb. 2025
Joe knows one solution to that problem, but Kate is reticent.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reticent
EW.com, 16 Jan. 2025
Over the past week, the answer from managers, recruitment staff, sporting and Academy directors has been mixed — critical, reticent and quietly hopeful.
—Michael Walker, The Athletic, 20 Mar. 2025
Just for the sake of inconsistency, there also are a slew of reticent sellers who believe that the bull market has lots more runway; as evidenced by a recent mini-burst of hostile takeover bids.
—Dan Primack, Axios, 10 Feb. 2025
Joe knows one solution to that problem, but Kate is reticent.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reticent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reticent
Adjective
-
But that learning curve can be steep, isolating and — too often — silent.—
Yolanda Wiggins,
Mercury News,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Even more telling, there was virtually no difference in data consumption, battery use, and background activity between the audio room tests and the silent room tests.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Who better to go searching for unidentified flying objects than a snobbish TV host and a reserved extraterrestrial enthusiast?—
Geordon Wollner,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
-
There are two color schemes to choose between—a reserved palette featuring navy blue and green for a calm, sophisticated look; and a vibrant rainbow palette for those who enjoy bright, energetic colors.—
Emma Kershaw,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Man Utd fans explain their song of defiance United fans have turned to Bonnie Tyler in a season of heartache Mikel Arteta, Arsenal Mikel Arteta has been reluctant to discuss his own musical tastes publicly.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Ja-young not only realizes what’s going on but accepts her grandson’s decision, becoming a reluctant ally in the charade.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The secretive conclave, in which roughly 130 cardinals from around the world gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next Catholic Church leader is already prompting real movie-worthy drama.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
28 Apr. 2025
-
During this highly secretive process, recently dramatized in the 2024 Oscar-winning film Conclave, the cardinals are completely cut off from the outside world until a new pope is chosen.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Simmons' initial reaction to the insult was a bit more restrained than his typical unfiltered comments.—
Marina Watts,
People.com,
14 Apr. 2025
-
This year, the prestigious but far more restrained perpetual calendar was the complication of choice.—
Victoria Gomelsky,
Robb Report,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
This demonstrates how even those driving innovation are often hesitant to embrace its full implications.—
Sabeer Nelliparamban,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Turner announced his new relationship on an April 2025 podcast episode Turner was initially hesitant to share the identity of his new girlfriend, but began talking about his new relationship in April 2025.—
Caroline Blair,
People.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
As season three continues, the quiet part is said out loud.—
Cyndy Etler,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2025
-
The present-day Affleck and titular accountant from The Accountant 2 seems to briefly reach out and touch the Sad Affleck of days of yore in this final memory, his eyes almost misty and voice quiet.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
28 Apr. 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
Cite this Entry
“Reticent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reticent. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share