TACITURN Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'taciturn' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of taciturn are reserved , reticent , secretive , and silent . While all these words mean "showing restraint in speaking," taciturn implies a temperamental disinclination to speech and usually connotes unsociability. // taciturn villagers

Q: When would 'reserved' be a good substitute for 'taciturn'?

The synonyms reserved and taciturn are sometimes interchangeable, but reserved implies reticence and suggests the restraining influence of caution or formality in checking easy informal conversational exchange. // greetings were brief, formal, and reserved

Q: When could 'reticent' be used to replace 'taciturn'?

The words reticent and taciturn can be used in similar contexts, but reticent implies a reluctance to speak out or at length, especially about one's own affairs. // was reticent about his plans

Q: Where would 'secretive' be a reasonable alternative to 'taciturn'?

Although the words secretive and taciturn have much in common, 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'silent' instead of 'taciturn'?

The words silent and taciturn are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, silent implies a habit of saying no more than is needed. // the strong, silent type

taciturn

adjective

ˈta-sə-ˌtərn

Definition of taciturn next

as in silent

tending not to speak frequently (as by habit or inclination) a taciturn man, he almost never initiates a conversation

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How is the word taciturn distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of taciturn are reserved, reticent, secretive, and silent. While all these words mean "showing restraint in speaking," taciturn implies a temperamental disinclination to speech and usually connotes unsociability.

taciturn villagers

When would reserved be a good substitute for taciturn?

The synonyms reserved and taciturn are sometimes interchangeable, but reserved implies reticence and suggests the restraining influence of caution or formality in checking easy informal conversational exchange.

greetings were brief, formal, and reserved

When could reticent be used to replace taciturn?

The words reticent and taciturn can be used in similar contexts, but reticent implies a reluctance to speak out or at length, especially about one's own affairs.

was reticent about his plans

Where would secretive be a reasonable alternative to taciturn?

Although the words secretive and taciturn have much in common, 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

When is it sensible to use silent instead of taciturn?

The words silent and taciturn are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, silent implies a habit of saying no more than is needed.

the strong, silent type

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of taciturn Entourage: Quirky characters played by Penélope Cruz, Jeff Bridges and Jessica Lange rattle off most of the dialogue opposite taciturn Jack/Bob. —

Hugh Hart, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024 Over the course of two weeks this past July, the Great Pyramid and taciturn Sphinx shared their home with modern equipment and military helicopters lent out by the local Ministry of Defense for the first time. —

Ben Croll, Variety, 18 Nov. 2024 Ayub as Adam is taciturn, hesitant and always apologetic, keeping his eyes downcast and his shoulders hunched. —

Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 6 Dec. 2024 For many foreigners, Finns have a reputation for being stoic, serious, and taciturn. —

Brett Braley, Robb Report, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for taciturn

Recent Examples of Synonyms for taciturn

Adjective

In the Broadway musical Sunset Boulevard silent screen star Norma Desmond returns to the Paramount lot after twenty years living under the radar in her crumbling mansion.

— Jeryl Brunner, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
The skies in Gaza went silent for the first time in months with no Israeli airstrikes.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 20 Jan. 2025