Adjective

  1. temperamentally disinclined to talk
    • Synonyms
      • untalkative
    • Similar to
      • taciturn
    • Related
      • reserve
      • reticence
      • taciturnity
  2. cool and formal in manner
    • Synonyms
      • restrained
      • unemotional
    • Similar to
      • undemonstrative
  3. reluctant to draw attention to yourself
    • Synonyms
      • self-effacing
      • retiring
    • Similar to
      • unassertive

reticent - LookUp

adjective

  1. not revealing one’s thoughts or feelings readily

she was extremely reticent about her personal affairs

Origin

mid 19th century : from Latin reticent- remaining silent , from the verb reticere , from re- (expressing intensive force) + tacere be silent

Thesaurus

Adjective

  1. Smith was extremely reticent about his personal affairs

Similar Words: reserved withdrawn introverted restrained inhibited diffident shy modest unassuming shrinking distant undemonstrative wouldn’t say boo to a goose uncommunicative unforthcoming unresponsive tight-lipped close-mouthed close-lipped quiet taciturn silent guarded secretive private media-shy playing one’s cards close to one’s chest mum

Opposites: expansive garrulous

[Urban Dictionary](http://reticent.urbanup.com/6475021 “Definition of “reticent” on Urban Dictionary”)

A demeanor by which the individual does not readily display their thoughts or feelings. This individual may make an excellent undercover government operative or ninja.

His reticent demeanor made him extremely difficult to read.