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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

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Synonym Chooser

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

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 Studio executives will convene in the Riviera facing an avalanche of questions from their foreign colleagues, who may be more reticent to do business. Brent Lang, Variety, 4 May 2025 The loneliness in both women is palpable, and the good fortune of sharing space in this odd, specifically American holiday is embraced by both, despite Jane being much more reticent to engage with Luna, who has charming giggles for days. David John Chávez, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025 Lue’s two stars are reticent, but James Harden and Kawhi Leonard spoke volumes with their play in forcing a Game 7 in Denver on Saturday night. Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025 The ‘big three’ countries of India, Australia and England have been reticent given that slipping into the lower bracket would scupper their money-making plans. Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reticent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reticent
Adjective
  • While Sanabria Tarazona’s family has remained silent out of fear Prieto has publicly denounced his detention and urged U.S. authorities to reconsider.
    Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025
  • But most Republicans remained silent, or accused Padilla of being a provocateur.
    James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • To serve, garnish with the reserved strawberry slices.
    Georgeanne Brennan, Mercury News, 5 June 2025
  • Related Stories John Oliver Compares HBO Max/Max Branding Fiasco to Trump's Renaming the Gulf of Mexico Ardant stars as Nathalie de Beauvillier, the manor’s reserved and eccentric lady, while Dequenne delivers one of her final screen performances as Odile, the spirited cook.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Cops were reluctant at first to charge Augustin with a hate crime.
    Sheetal Banchariya, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025
  • It has also been unequally applied across institutions where some case managers have been reluctant to implement policies for unknown reasons.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Two security officials spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Friday to discuss the highly secretive missions.
    Shane Croucher Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
  • After he was elected, following two days of secretive deliberation, the memes came swiftly.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Lemon The little black dress of garnishes, at once flirty and restrained.
    Amiel Stanek, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 June 2025
  • With two monochrome takes on intricate guilloché work the new dial designs come across as more restrained, even with baguette-cut indices.
    Thor Svaboe, Robb Report, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Businesses that have invested years in tailoring their systems may be hesitant to risk functionality loss or reintegrate complex tools.
    Eric Giesecke, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • Kwame was hesitant to take the plunge for several reasons, the most prominent being his mother's refusal to attend the wedding.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • For those looking to venture farther, Cruz Bay’s private itineraries stretch deep into the BVI, blending gourmet dining, reef diving, and quiet anchorages into one seamless luxurious adventure.
    Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • The shade brings a quiet elegance to any room, a hint of whimsy, and a reputation for serenity thanks to its namesake plant.
    Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 14 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Reticent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reticent. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.

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