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reticent

Q: How is the word 'reticent' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of reticent are reserved , secretive , silent , and taciturn . While all these words mean "showing restraint in speaking," reticent implies a reluctance to speak out or at length, especially about one's own affairs. // was reticent about his plans

Q: In what contexts can 'reserved' take the place of 'reticent'?

The words reserved and reticent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, reserved implies reticence and suggests the restraining influence of caution or formality in checking easy informal conversational exchange. // greetings were brief, formal, and reserved

Q: When would 'secretive' be a good substitute for 'reticent'?

The words secretive and reticent can be used in similar contexts, but secretive , too, implies reticence but usually carries a suggestion of deviousness and lack of frankness or of an often ostentatious will to conceal. // the secretive research and development division

Q: When might 'silent' be a better fit than 'reticent'?

The meanings of silent and reticent largely overlap; however, silent implies a habit of saying no more than is needed. // the strong, silent type

Q: Where would 'taciturn' be a reasonable alternative to 'reticent'?

Although the words taciturn and reticent have much in common, taciturn implies a temperamental disinclination to speech and usually connotes unsociability. // taciturn villagers

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Synonyms & Antonyms 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 for reticent

Words Related to reticent

discreet,
prudent

Near Antonyms for reticent

Antonyms for reticent

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 for reticent

Words Related to reticent

Near Antonyms for reticent

Antonyms for reticent

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 for reticent

Words Related to reticent

averse,
unwilling

Near Antonyms for reticent

ready,
willing

Antonyms for reticent

disposed,
inclined

Frequently Asked Questions About reticent

How is the word reticent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of reticent are reserved, secretive, silent, and taciturn. While all these words mean "showing restraint in speaking," reticent implies a reluctance to speak out or at length, especially about one's own affairs.

was reticent about his plans

In what contexts can reserved take the place of reticent?

The words reserved and reticent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, reserved implies reticence and suggests the restraining influence of caution or formality in checking easy informal conversational exchange.

greetings were brief, formal, and reserved

When would secretive be a good substitute for reticent?

The words secretive and reticent can be used in similar contexts, but secretive, too, implies reticence but usually carries a suggestion of deviousness and lack of frankness or of an often ostentatious will to conceal.

the secretive research and development division

When might silent be a better fit than reticent?

The meanings of silent and reticent largely overlap; however, silent implies a habit of saying no more than is needed.

the strong, silent type

Where would taciturn be a reasonable alternative to reticent?

Although the words taciturn and reticent have much in common, taciturn implies a temperamental disinclination to speech and usually connotes unsociability.

taciturn villagers

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