# reticent

/ˈɹɛtɪsənt/ (US) · /ɹˈɛtɪsənt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/reticent
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

not quick to share your thoughts, feelings, or plans with other people. You use it for someone who stays quiet in a group.

For teachers: reluctant to speak freely or reveal thoughts, feelings, or intentions; inclined toward reserve in conversation. Often follows linking verbs such as 'seem' or 'remain' and takes 'about' or 'to' with an infinitive.

## Examples

- She stays reticent in meetings and rarely shares ideas.
- The new manager remains reticent about the layoffs until the board approves the final plan.
- Long celebrated for candour, the novelist grew reticent in later interviews, answering questions about inspiration with polite deflections that revealed little.

## Synonyms

reserved, quiet, untalkative

## Antonyms

talkative, open

## Usage notes

- Often used predicatively after linking verbs; typically followed by 'about' or 'to' + infinitive.

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