Definition of taciturnnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word taciturn distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of taciturn are reserved, reticent, secretive, and silent. While all these words mean "showing restraint in speaking," taciturn implies a temperamental disinclination to speech and usually connotes unsociability.

taciturn villagers

When would reserved be a good substitute for taciturn?

The synonyms reserved and taciturn are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 could reticent be used to replace taciturn?

The words reticent and taciturn can be used in similar contexts, but reticent implies a reluctance to speak out or at length, especially about one's own affairs.

was reticent about his plans

Where would secretive be a reasonable alternative to taciturn?

Although the words secretive and taciturn have much in common, 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 is it sensible to use silent instead of taciturn?

The words silent and taciturn are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, silent implies a habit of saying no more than is needed.

the strong, silent type

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 taciturn But his shy, taciturn sisters had somehow surpassed him. Literary Hub, 12 May 2026 And Belichick, known for being extremely press-shy and taciturn, has returned the favor by showing his affection for her on social media and beyond. Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026 Earlier this month, Michels attended the world premiere of his documentary at New York's Lincoln Center, and was characteristically taciturn in his praise. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2026 Pappy, his taciturn father, had died a few years before, and Grandmom Hilda now lived alone with a bulldog named Sammy. Kate Crane, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for taciturn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for taciturn
Adjective
  • That silent fear comes back as an earnout, where you only get paid if that client stays.
    Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
  • Beyond the music, there are festive parades, workshops for making puppets or gardening, a 5K run, yoga, silent discos and much more.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Serena’s name was on everyone’s lips, with fans chatting about the American’s chances and journalists jostling for position to get their hands on a reserved media seat.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • The canopy area featured reserved seating that was blocked off with more seats for fans to sit and watch the game in the shade.
    Cal Phillips June 30, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Not all blondes are dumb, don’t judge a book by its cover, yada yada yada, lo and behold, Reese Witherspoon is a certified movie star.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 29 June 2026
  • Though Cady has made some gestures toward helping the Bowdens, like his behind-the-scenes effort to get one of Anna’s death-row clients exonerated last week, Tom and Anna should not be so dumb as to ignore his ulterior motives.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Since joining the winery, Melton has brought a restrained, classical sensibility to wines known for an ability to age.
    Jill Barth, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • The world press was less restrained; the Post, the Daily Mail, the Hindustan Times, and many others ran screaming headlines, accompanied by photographs of the climbers purloined from social media.
    William Finnegan, New Yorker, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Taciturn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/taciturn. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

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