1
as in silent
deliberately refraining from speech
the child was uncommunicative and unhelpful to school investigators
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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
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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
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Example Sentences
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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 federal lawsuit is also silent on that matter.—
Patricia Gallagher Newberry,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Spencer Pratt says many in Hollywood privately support his criticism of Los Angeles leadership, but fear keeps them silent.—
Danielle Minnetian,
FOXNews.com,
31 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
-
Add to reserved drippings in skillet; cook over medium-high until browned on two sides, about 2 minutes per side.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Melbourne Park does have three smaller show courts with capacities between 3,000 and 5,000 and no reserved seating.—
Lev Akabas,
Sportico.com,
30 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
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Because his work, as is often the case, leaves us almost speechless.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2023
Adjective
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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
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The cold, quiet pattern continues Tuesday in Minnesota.—
Joseph Dames,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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For the young generation of digital natives navigating AI anxiety around keeping up with peers using the technology and AI displacing them from jobs, the fear of the technology making people dumber is dominant.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
30 Jan. 2026
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This lens helps explain everything from investing mistakes and overspending to why some people quietly build wealth while others blow money in ways that, from the outside, look spectacularly dumb.—
Jasna Hodžić,
Big Think,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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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
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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
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That Bamford might be a bit reticent to share more about her life, despite the open nature of her stand-up act, is understandable, but any nerves are soon put way at ease.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
29 Jan. 2026
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Perhaps reflecting the stakes, GOP staff and campaign aides were reticent Monday to talk about the issue at all.—
Bill Barrow,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Uncommunicative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncommunicative. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
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