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as in silent
given to keeping one's activities hidden from public observation or knowledge the panel decided to investigate the fraud charges against the company, which has always been reticent about its internal operations

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word reticent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of reticent are reserved, secretive, silent, and taciturn. While all these words mean "showing restraint in speaking," reticent implies a reluctance to speak out or at length, especially about one's own affairs.

was reticent about his plans

In what contexts can reserved take the place of reticent?

The words reserved and reticent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, reserved implies reticence and suggests the restraining influence of caution or formality in checking easy informal conversational exchange.

greetings were brief, formal, and reserved

When would secretive be a good substitute for reticent?

The words secretive and reticent can be used in similar contexts, but secretive, too, implies reticence but usually carries a suggestion of deviousness and lack of frankness or of an often ostentatious will to conceal.

the secretive research and development division

When might silent be a better fit than reticent?

The meanings of silent and reticent largely overlap; however, silent implies a habit of saying no more than is needed.

the strong, silent type

Where would taciturn be a reasonable alternative to reticent?

Although the words taciturn and reticent have much in common, taciturn implies a temperamental disinclination to speech and usually connotes unsociability.

taciturn villagers

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 reticent In New York, however, some local pols weren’t so reticent. Ron Kampeas, Sun Sentinel, 2 July 2025 Why have so many been so reticent about adding this asset class to portfolios? Chris Carosa, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025 At the same time, unlike the seemingly reticent three living Democratic ex-POTUS’, Harris has been doing a bit more than merely pulling the political fire alarm since Trump 2.0 began. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 30 Apr. 2025 Harry and Meghan have always been reticent to let the public get a proper look at their children (Harry, especially, is not a fan of invasive press, being the son of Princess Diana and all), so this is maybe a compromise? Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for reticent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reticent
Adjective
  • At the same time, Cissie Graham Lynch, daughter of Franklin Graham and granddaughter of the late Rev. Billy Graham, is urging believers not to stay silent in the face of growing hostility, including in the United States.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2025
  • Fans fell silent across England, including in London’s Boxpark Wembley, where 1,200 people had gathered for the spectacle.
    Julia Andersen, CNN Money, 30 July 2025
Adjective
  • Southwest Airlines announced its new reserved seating policy will begin on Jan. 27, 2026.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 24 July 2025
  • Tickets are $125 per person and include Turf Club admission, a reserved table seat, two appetizers, two drink tickets (for premium cocktails, wine or beer), and chips and guacamole for the table.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • Knowing why people are reluctant to come back is just as critical as deciding how to bring them back.
    Dr. Adil Dalal, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • What To Know Real estate agents who spoke to Redfin said buyers are becoming reluctant to finalize purchases due to economic uncertainties, in particular high mortgage rates, the potential impacts of tariffs, inflation and the possibility of a recession in the near future.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • The series focuses on a secretive society called the Talamasca, comprised of the men and women responsible for tracking and containing the witches, vampires, and other creatures scattered around the globe.
    Peter White, Deadline, 26 July 2025
  • American courts adopted this principle of transparency from the beginning, rejecting the secretive proceedings that had enabled abuse.
    Cassandra Burke Robertson, The Conversation, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • Several Republican members who spent years hyping up the Epstein case remained restrained in criticizing the White House's handling of the matter.
    John Parkinson, ABC News, 24 July 2025
  • This restrained color story feels fresh yet timeless.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • Teams are more hesitant, understandably so, given the penalties, to spend a bundle of money.
    Tony Jones, New York Times, 31 July 2025
  • Investors might become hesitant to pay an even higher premium, particularly given the substantial capital expenditure Microsoft is directing towards AI initiatives.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
Adjective
  • Accessible only by boat, the island features quiet trails, pebble beaches, and one campsite on the north end.
    Katherine Lawless, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2025
  • The edges of the Mueller neighborhood along Tom Miller Street are quiet, even as a dozen homes are being constructed nearby.
    Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Ratajkowski has been fighting the stereotype of the dumb model from the beginning of her career.
    Daniel Jackson, Allure, 18 July 2017
  • Ninety nine percent of all NFL players are explicitly not dumb.
    Andy Benoit, The MMQB, 10 July 2017

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Cite this Entry

“Reticent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reticent. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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