1
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in reserved
tending not to speak frequently (as by habit or inclination)
her husband is by nature a reticent person, and she resigned herself to that fact long ago
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in reluctant
slow to begin or proceed with a course of action because of doubts or uncertainty
understandably, she's reticent about becoming involved with another evangelical religious sect
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Editor’s picks The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time
Though he’s known for being slightly reticent in interviews, today, Bad Bunny is fully charged and bursting with stories.
—
Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 13 Jan. 2025
Others have been more reticent, perhaps due to data security and regulatory concerns, with 30% of banks still banning the use of generative AI tools within their own environments.
—David Parker, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
To the extent that this is the case, why would New Mexico be reticent to have New Mexico State join the Mountain West?
—Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025
There’s a couple of reasons for Utah being reticent to sell.
—Pierre Lebrun, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reticent
Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 13 Jan. 2025
Others have been more reticent, perhaps due to data security and regulatory concerns, with 30% of banks still banning the use of generative AI tools within their own environments.
—David Parker, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
To the extent that this is the case, why would New Mexico be reticent to have New Mexico State join the Mountain West?
—Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025
There’s a couple of reasons for Utah being reticent to sell.
—Pierre Lebrun, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reticent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reticent
Adjective
-
Musk was silent on his X platform in the wake of Crawford’s victory, reposting a message about Vietnam and tariffs but nothing on the Supreme Court contest.—
Nicholas Riccardi,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2025
-
While the Kardashians have remained publicly silent in response to his latest outburst, Ye’s ongoing battle with his former in-laws continues to play out in the public eye.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
At the start of episode 8, Cara, a reserved 29-year-old In-N-Out worker, had the cash in her box, while her bestie Samantha, a 41-year-old cop pretending to be a stay-at-home mom, had a clue that the secret millionaire was someone with two sisters.—
Jillian Sederholm,
EW.com,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Without trust, teams experience: • Communication Breakdowns: Team members become reserved and hesitant to provide feedback or voice concerns.—
Dr. Jennifer Bryant,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Teams have been reluctant to make long-term investments in power-hitting first basemen, particularly over the age of 30.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Many corporate leaders have thus far been reluctant to openly criticize the Trump Administration's agenda.—
Megan Cerullo,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The 10-episode History channel series premieres on Friday, April 4, and reveals the latest evidence behind some of the government’s most secretive and surprising activities that have been declassified throughout history.—
Dana Rose Falcone,
People.com,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Duchovny presents the latest evidence behind some of the government’s most secretive, strange and mind-blowing activities.—
Ryan Schwartz,
TVLine,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Clean lines, streamlined silhouettes, and restrained details result in impactful simplicity, which is exactly what a minimalist bride aspires for.—
Sarah Zendejas,
Vogue,
6 Apr. 2025
-
Frank and vulnerable, her restrained vocal performance is the perfect pairing for Sundae Beats’ lush, ethereal soundscape.—
Christopher Claxton,
Billboard,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Initially, many older women are hesitant to attempt these higher-impact movements due to osteopenia or osteoporosis.—
Melanie Curry,
People.com,
1 Apr. 2025
-
Many students were hesitant at first, sticking to manual methods.—
Lutz Finger,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
To that end, Rooney says that knowing when to talk and when to stay quiet is key.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Synonymous with quiet luxury, Jenni Kayne’s cropped cashmere cardigan is perfect for casual moments in beautiful places.—
Amy Louise Bailey,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Apr. 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
Cite this Entry
“Reticent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reticent. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share