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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of reticent
Watching the two countries strike a deal might very well have rankled Trump, but the president was reticent about any concerns.
—
Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 17 Jan. 2026
Kemp has kept his 2026 plans close to the vest so far and has seemed reticent to dip into Georgia’s lavish ~$15 billion surplus.
—Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 15 Jan. 2026
Herro was similarly reticent when asked about the reserve role.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2026
Adelman has been reticent to use DaRon Holmes II at the NBA level — the Nuggets established a developmental plan for him primarily focused on the G League before the season — but Holmes did appear alongside Zeke Nnaji to start the fourth quarter of Monday’s game in Miami.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reticent
Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 17 Jan. 2026
Kemp has kept his 2026 plans close to the vest so far and has seemed reticent to dip into Georgia’s lavish ~$15 billion surplus.
—Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 15 Jan. 2026
Herro was similarly reticent when asked about the reserve role.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2026
Adelman has been reticent to use DaRon Holmes II at the NBA level — the Nuggets established a developmental plan for him primarily focused on the G League before the season — but Holmes did appear alongside Zeke Nnaji to start the fourth quarter of Monday’s game in Miami.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reticent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reticent
Adjective
-
The 55-acre lot, once a silent-era movie site and later home to productions like Gilligan’s Island and Seinfeld, will be returned to lenders led by Goldman following months of unsuccessful modification talks.—
Charlie Fink,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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The Clippers responded with a 10-0 run to open a 103-91 lead as Doncic went silent, finishing the night with just three points in the final quarter.—
Janis Carr,
Oc Register,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Three-day general admission passes start at $549; general admission and shuttle combo packages start at $669; Rhinestone Saloon admission passes start at $974; Corral reserved seating starts at $1,199; Corral standing pit access starts at $1,899.—
Holly Alvarado,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Jan. 2026
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The Grammy shine for Harry’s House overshadowed the reality that the music was growing cozy and reserved.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The challenge for prosecutors Prosecutors generally face an uphill battle when charging police officers, as juries tend to be reluctant to second-guess officers acting in the heat of the moment, the legal experts said.—
Elise Hammond,
CNN Money,
24 Jan. 2026
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Current homeowners are reluctant to sell because their existing mortgage rate is much lower than current rates.—
Chris Gunster,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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One of America’s most important – and secretive – overseas assets, Diego Garcia has helped launch two invasions of Iraq, served as a vital landing spot for bombers that fly missions across Asia, and has been linked to US rendition efforts.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
20 Jan. 2026
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But the governor also devotes several pages to providing his side of the story from the 2024 search for a vice-presidential candidate, after Harris wrote a detailed account of the traditionally secretive process, which included a less-than-warm meeting with Shapiro.—
Toluse Olorunnipa,
The Atlantic,
19 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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However, the impact of losing her great love in a 1990 racing accident translated into a sober and restrained closet.—
Marta Martínez Tato,
Vanity Fair,
24 Jan. 2026
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Grapes here develop with higher acidity and lower sugar levels, which leads to wines that feel more restrained and layered.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Experts say Trump’s proposal also does little to address the supply side of the housing market, which has been largely frozen as homebuyers who bought in at lower interest rates prior to the pandemic have been hesitant to sell, Goldberg said.—
Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez,
Fortune,
21 Jan. 2026
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Bridges has been inconsistent at best offensively — hesitant at the rim, invisible at worst — and too light defensively, caught on screens and beaten by shoulder-first drives into his chest, sometimes even just a quick first step.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
20 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Below are five actions that may seem quiet but can significantly increase your chances of promotion in the first quarter, along with how to put them into practice.—
Sho Dewan,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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The cold, quiet pattern continues Tuesday in Minnesota.—
Joseph Dames,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Okay, there's trying something new and then there's just being dumb.—
Samantha Highfill,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Jan. 2026
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Why portray Dorothy as a doe-eyed ding-a-ling; as not just naive but dumb?—
Lili Anolik,
Vanity Fair,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reticent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reticent. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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