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