adjective
Other Word Forms
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:
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.
Vocabulary lists containing reticent
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
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Grade 12, List 1
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Dracula
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
More likely, many countries could be reticent to accept “volcano refugees,” making excuses – perhaps legitimate ones – that they don’t have the money, resources or space to safely settle so many people so swiftly.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 22, 2026
A reticent, low-wattage star, Leonard did nothing to improve the Clippers’ brand or relevancy.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2026
Many economists think there will be greater asset-price volatility with a more reticent Fed.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 7, 2026
It’s a magnificent book: Michaels, both controlling and reticent, has never opened up like this, and Morrison has talked to hundreds of “SNL” cast members, writers, hosts and more.
From Salon ● Jul. 5, 2026
When relatives and Spanish-speaking friends of my parents came to the house, my brother and sisters seemed reticent to use Spanish, but at least they managed to say a few necessary words before being excused.
From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
