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reticent

/ˈrɛtɪs(ə)nt/adjective

Unwilling to share your thoughts or talk about yourself.

Example sentences

  • “My grandfather was always reticent about his years in the navy.”
  • “The usually reticent actor spoke openly about his childhood in the interview.”

Increasingly used to mean reluctant to do anything, but careful writers keep it for reluctance to speak or share.

Featured as word of the day on July 7, 2026.

Synonyms for reticent

  • reserved
  • quiet
  • tight-lipped
  • taciturn
  • uncommunicative

Antonyms

Often confused with reticent

reticent vs reluctant

Find it in: Advanced English words, Words to describe a person.

Related words