1
as in silent
deliberately refraining from speech
the child was uncommunicative and unhelpful to school investigators
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in secretive
given to keeping one's activities hidden from public observation or knowledge
intelligence agencies must be uncommunicative about their operations if they are to be at all effective
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in reserved
tending not to speak frequently (as by habit or inclination)
resigned to the fact that her husband was always going to be an uncommunicative partner
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of uncommunicative
Where Tammy proves no more fortunate than Patti is in her choice of husband: David, distant and uncommunicative, is having an affair with his office assistant, Narcedalia (Dascha Polanco).
—
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025
Some supporters felt their club had become too corporate, too cold and too uncommunicative.
—Greg O'Keeffe, The Athletic, 20 Dec. 2024
Often, a less qualified candidate who displays high energy and eagerness can outshine a more qualified individual who appears disinterested and uncommunicative.
—Jack Kelly, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024
Sasse was uncommunicative and sometimes unresponsive to the university’s students and staff.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for uncommunicative
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025
Some supporters felt their club had become too corporate, too cold and too uncommunicative.
—Greg O'Keeffe, The Athletic, 20 Dec. 2024
Often, a less qualified candidate who displays high energy and eagerness can outshine a more qualified individual who appears disinterested and uncommunicative.
—Jack Kelly, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024
Sasse was uncommunicative and sometimes unresponsive to the university’s students and staff.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for uncommunicative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncommunicative
Adjective
-
While current work on the development is silent, crews are only waiting for county permits to build, the developer said.—
Larry Seward,
Miami Herald,
13 Feb. 2026
-
History has shown us time and again that meaningful change often begins when young people refuse to stay silent.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
While insightful and loyal, they’re also often described as secretive and controlling.—
Kathy Kristof,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Nell is forty-two years old in 1971 and seeking to find out more about her mother, Hazel, who was secretive and abruptly moved she and her sister Evie from home to home.—
The Know,
Denver Post,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Máxima and the recovery of an icon With the arrival of Queen Máxima to the throne, the sapphire tiara regained a prominence that seemed reserved for other eras.—
Marta Martínez Tato,
Vanity Fair,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Low-key and reserved on and off the course, the 23-year-old rarely betrays emotion.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
In helicopter video taken by Air Maui Helicopter Tours in Lahaina and posted online the people aboard are largely speechless.—
Phil Helsel,
NBC News,
10 Aug. 2023
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Because his work, as is often the case, leaves us almost speechless.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2023
Adjective
-
Without my father’s booming presence, our house was strangely quiet.—
Faith Karimi,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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What was once a gravel and sand mine is being reforested and turned into a sanctuary with quiet beaches and a pristine, spring water lake.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
These apps often default to a faster, dumber model.—
Matt Shumer,
Fortune,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Who, other than dumb people like me, are gonna recruit high school kids?—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
In Fennell’s version, Cathy’s brother is dead by the time her father brings home a selectively mute boy, whom Cathy chooses to name Heathcliff after her deceased brother.—
Becky Little,
Time,
13 Feb. 2026
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Complicating matters is the fact that Maddie is deaf and mute, forcing her to utilize her other senses to stop the killer from claiming her as his next victim.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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In a video tribute before the game, which featured Ullmark’s comments expressing why athletes are reticent to speak on mental health, before complimenting Senators fans, those same fans delivered tributes and welcome-backs.—
Julian McKenzie,
New York Times,
1 Feb. 2026
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That Bamford might be a bit reticent to share more about her life, despite the open nature of her stand-up act, is understandable, but any nerves are soon put way at ease.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Uncommunicative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncommunicative. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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