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Definitions

reticent

[ret-uh-suhnt] / ˈrɛt ə sənt /
ADJECTIVE
secretive, quiet
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bashful hesitant mum reserved restrained shy silent taciturn
WEAK
clammed up close close-mouthed dried-up dummied up tight-lipped uncommunicative unforthcoming unspeaking uptight
Antonyms
STRONGEST
communicative confident extroverted outgoing talkative unreserved unshy
WEAK
forward unrestrained

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

However, it could be much more reticent about prospects for future rate cuts given high energy prices.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Yet the board is reticent to set a new finish date for the remaining work, including the divisive Glory Facade and its four bell towers.

From Barron's • Feb. 10, 2026

Chappell is actually the alter-ego of the more reticent Kayleigh Amstutz.

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2026

BCA’s Marko Papic isn’t reticent with his opinions and rarely sits on the fence.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 13, 2026

Shorty was so naturally garrulous and Roger so naturally reticent and gruff that it seemed an odd combination.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown