1
as in silent
deliberately refraining from speech
the child was uncommunicative and unhelpful to school investigators
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 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
-
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
-
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
-
The most famous person on the wall was Billy Walters, a former car salesman whose highly secretive tactics netted him hundreds of millions of dollars, making him, by some accounts, the most successful bettor in sports history.—
Jasper Craven,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The precise origins of solar flares, however, have been secretive.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Because his work, as is often the case, leaves us almost speechless.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2023
Adjective
-
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
-
The cold, quiet pattern continues Tuesday in Minnesota.—
Joseph Dames,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Okay, there's trying something new and then there's just being dumb.—
Samantha Highfill,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Why portray Dorothy as a doe-eyed ding-a-ling; as not just naive but dumb?—
Lili Anolik,
Vanity Fair,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The gain knob feels a little loose and imprecise, making fine adjustments a little fiddly, and the physical mute button produces an audible click if pressed while recording.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Being forced to put modern life on mute was, in its own way, radical, though our meetings were tremor-free.—
Walden Green,
Pitchfork,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Often, menace is not reticent to show itself.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Schools typically have been reticent to push back when players ask to leave, fearing both the bad look and lawsuits to come.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
21 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Uncommunicative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncommunicative. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
