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reticent

adjective
ret·​i·​cent | \ ˈre-tÉ™-sÉ™nt How to pronounce reticent (audio) \

Definition of reticent

1 : inclined to be silent or uncommunicative in speech : reserved
2 : restrained in expression, presentation, or appearance the room has an aspect of reticent dignity— A. N. Whitehead
3 : reluctant
Other Words from reticent Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym The History of Reticent Is Less Than 200 Years Old More Example Sentences Learn More about reticent

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Other Words from reticent

reticently adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for reticent

silent, taciturn, reticent, reserved, secretive mean showing restraint in speaking. silent implies a habit of saying no more than is needed. the strong, silent type taciturn implies a temperamental disinclination to speech and usually connotes unsociability. taciturn villagers reticent implies a reluctance to speak out or at length, especially about one's own affairs. was reticent about his plans reserved implies reticence and suggests the restraining influence of caution or formality in checking easy informal conversational exchange. greetings were brief, formal, and reserved secretive, too, implies reticence but usually carries a suggestion of deviousness and lack of frankness or of an often ostentatious will to conceal. the secretive research and development division

The History of Reticent Is Less Than 200 Years Old

Reticent first appeared about 170 years ago, but the "reluctant" sense of "reticent" is a mid-20th century introduction. Though it is now well-established, this newer sense bothers some people, particularly because it has veered away from the word's Latin origins - "reticent" is from the verb "reticēre," meaning "to keep silent." But there is some sense in the way the newer meaning developed. We first tended to use the "reluctant" sense of "reticent" when the context was speech (as in "reticent to talk about her past"), thus keeping the word close to its "silent" sense. Eventually, however, exclusive association with speech was abandoned. Now one can be "reticent" to do anything.

Examples of reticent in a Sentence

… his friends and associates are conspicuously reticent to discuss him in public. — Martin Flanagan, Manchester Guardian Weekly, 29 Dec. 1991 … two or three rather reticent abstract paintings. — Jay Jacobs, Gourmet, January 1979 An extremely reticent man, Morris does not like to talk about his experience in personal terms. — Helen Dudar, New York Times Magazine, 30 Oct. 1977 the panel decided to investigate the fraud charges against the company, which has always been reticent about its internal operations her husband is by nature a reticent person, and she resigned herself to that fact long ago
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Recent Examples on the Web

 School officials in Houston County, Ala., which borders Florida and Georgia, have been similarly reticent to disclose specifics, declining to tell reporters whether attackers there had demanded ransom. — New York Times, "Hackers’ Latest Target: School Districts," 28 July 2019 Often, those in need of help may be reticent to connect with other people, but participants show far less hesitation connecting with friendly animals. — Michelle Pitcher, The Mercury News, "Sunnyvale cat has therapeutic value for local seniors, homeless," 28 July 2019 The Kroenkes have been historically reticent to surpass that benchmark, but the Nuggets could also be entering a golden age of their growth. — Mike Singer, The Denver Post, "Nuggets Mailbag: After Jerami Grant trade, does Denver have too many wings?," 18 July 2019 Democrat politicians called for his resignation, at least; Republicans were much more reticent to do so. — Graeme Mcmillan, WIRED, "While You Were Offline: So Long, Alex Acosta," 14 July 2019 Hunt is more reticent, perhaps more realistic; not that that helps him. — Madeleine Kearns, National Review, "Boris Johnson, the Brexit Illusionist," 28 June 2019 However, it's understood that United are a bit reticent to lose the England Under-21 international at this juncture, and would prefer it if the centre back, who can also play at right back, popped back to Birmingham for another loan. — SI.com, "Transfer Rumours: Koulibaly to Man City, Costa & Donnarumma to PSG, Zaniolo to Spurs & More," 19 June 2019 Trump, who has been reticent about the turmoil in Hong Kong, cited it in his offer to meet Xi. — David Jackson, USA TODAY, "China threatens retaliation for US tariffs while sidestepping Trump offer to meet with Xi Jinping," 13 Aug. 2019 Nevertheless, parents are reticent about encouraging their children to take a risky path, a decision that can lead to death at sea or at the hand of bandits. — Milena Belloni, Quartz Africa, "Why young Eritreans are going to keep risking deadly migration crossings to Europe," 27 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reticent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of reticent

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for reticent

Latin reticent-, reticens, present participle of reticēre to keep silent, from re- + tacēre to be silent — more at tacit

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More Definitions for reticent

reticent

adjective
How to pronounce reticent (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of reticent

: not willing to tell people about things

See the full definition for reticent in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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More from Merriam-Webster on reticent

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for reticent

Spanish Central: Translation of reticent

Nglish: Translation of reticent for Spanish Speakers

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