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

Disney’s struggles with succession over the decades have become epic dramas filled with false starts, larger-than-life leaders reticent to go and allegations of hollow searches for a new CEO.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2026

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

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2026

But some companies already appear reticent, in part because they worry about the legal and financial risks they would be taking.

From Barron's • Jan. 28, 2026

A reluctant person is unwilling, but a reticent one is silent.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner

Vocabulary lists containing reticent

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

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Grade 12, List 1

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Dracula

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