reticence

Definitions

The quality or state of being reserved, restrained, or disinclined to speak freely.

A habitual silence or avoidance of communication.

Examples

His unusual reticence during the meeting suggested that he was hiding something important.

Despite her natural reticence, she gave a powerful and moving speech to the audience.

The witness's reticence made it difficult for the investigators to piece together the events of the night.

Synonyms

reserve shyness hesitation taciturnity restraint diffidence introversion

Antonyms

talkativeness loquacity garrulity outspokenness volubility frankness communicativeness