TACITURN Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Examples 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 Ever since 2008’s Taken opened up a surprisingly durable late-career reinvention for Liam Neeson as a taciturn action star of tough-guy dad thrillers, frequently dispatching lowlifes who mess with his family, it’s become the norm to expect more of the same. —

David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Oct. 2024 This tendency can be baffling to other signs, who may feel rattled when a taciturn Scorpio suddenly offers up an intimate confession. —

Jennifer Culp, Them, 16 Oct. 2024 The two of them have come to the remote island with Sophia’s taciturn father (Anders Danielsen Lie) in the wake of a staggering loss that is left unspoken for much of the film. —

David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Oct. 2024 Over the years, her songs have portrayed her as a bright-eyed romantic searching for The One but continually getting disappointed by men—shifty playboys or taciturn sad sacks—who don’t meet her standards. —

Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 11 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for taciturn

Recent Examples of Synonyms for taciturn

Adjective

The Kremlin remained silent on Assad’s whereabouts Monday, refusing to comment publicly on Russia’s decision to grant him asylum.

Sophie Tanno, CNN, 9 Dec. 2024
Importantly, this decision did not remove all agency deference just deference where the statute is either silent or ambiguous.

Joshua D. Smeltzer, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024