reticent

American  

[ret-uh-suhnt] / ˈrɛt ə sənt /

adjective

1. disposed to be silent or not to speak freely; reserved.

   Synonyms:

   uncommunicative, quiet, taciturn

   Antonyms:

   voluble, talkative

2. reluctant or restrained.

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reticent British  

/ ˈrɛtɪsənt /

adjective

1. not open or communicative; not saying all that one knows; taciturn; reserved

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Other Word Forms

• nonreticent adjective
• nonreticently adverb
• reticence noun
• reticency noun
• reticently adverb
• unreticent adjective
• unreticently adverb

Etymology

Origin of reticent

First recorded in 1825–35; from Latin reticent- (stem of reticēns ), present participle of reticēre “to be silent,” equivalent to re- “again, back” + -tic-, combining form of tacēre “to be silent” ( cf. tacit) + -ent- adjective suffix; see re-, -ent

Compare meaning

How does reticent compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• reticent vs. reluctant

Explanation

Reticent means either quiet or restrained. If you're reticent about your feelings, you like to keep them to yourself, and you're probably quiet in rowdy groups where everyone is talking over each other. The original meaning of reticent describes someone who doesn’t like to talk. Be careful in your context, however. Reticent can refer to someone who is restrained and formal, but it can also refer to someone who doesn’t want to draw attention to herself or who prefers seclusion to other people. Don’t confuse reticent with reluctant, which means unwilling.

Example Sentences

Some developing countries are more reticent about the moratorium because they see it as a loss of tax revenue and argue that the rapid pace of digital transformation only exacerbates the problem.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

However, it could be much more reticent about prospects for future rate cuts given high energy prices.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Disney’s struggles with succession over the decades have become epic dramas filled with false starts, larger-than-life leaders reticent to go and allegations of hollow searches for a new CEO.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2026

However, many investors are reticent to sell stocks short.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 22, 2026

Her gentle efforts to guide the hand of destiny, by decoying her master with fertile tricks or by reticent considerations these had not bean strong enough to be recognized in the despotism of fife.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White

Related Words

• bashful
• hesitant
• mum
• reserved
• restrained
• shy
• silent
• taciturn