taciturn

/ˈtasɪtəːn/adjective

Quiet by nature and tending to say very little.

Example sentences

“My grandfather was a taciturn man who rarely spoke at dinner.”
“The taciturn farmer answered every question with a single word.”

Formal, and about temperament rather than mood: a taciturn person is always quiet, not just quiet today. Shyness or unfriendliness is only implied.

Featured as word of the day on June 19, 2026.

Synonyms for taciturn

reticent
reserved
uncommunicative

Antonyms

talkative
chatty
garrulous

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

Related words

laconicUsing very few words when speaking or writing, often in a dry or unemotional way.loquaciousFond of talking a lot; very chatty.tenaciousHolding on firmly; refusing to give up or let go.steadfastFirm and unchanging in purpose, loyalty, or belief.vivaciousFull of life and energy in a charming way.scrupulousCareful to act honestly and fairly, and to do what is morally right.