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.

Manufacturers increasingly reported bottlenecks, while retailers grew concerned that consumers will be more reticent due to rising inflation, it said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

The Greens also seem reticent to mention the "I" word unprompted.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

But speaking to the BBC, Vaughan-Spruce was reticent to say that Britain's abortion debate is being influenced by America.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 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

Your covering letter was admirably reticent, but you did hint that you had almost no free time at present.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

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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