silent implies a habit of saying no more than is needed.
the strong, silent type
taciturn implies a temperamental disinclination to speech and usually connotes unsociability.
taciturn villagers
reticent implies a reluctance to speak out or at length, especially about one's own affairs.
was reticent about his plans
reserved implies reticence and suggests the restraining influence of caution or formality in checking easy informal conversational exchange.
greetings were brief, formal, and reserved
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
Example Sentences
He's very secretive about his work. the intelligence agency remained secretive despite the media's demands for more openness in government
Recent Examples on the WebIn 2020, The Weeknd spoke to Rolling Stone about his interest in writing for film and about the then-secretive screenplay in the works; The Idol was officially announced a year later. Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2022 Even some key figures in Al Qaeda’s central leadership were put off, calling him overly controlling, secretive, and divisive. Matthew Lee, Nomaan Merchant, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 Aug. 2022 The ever-secretive Marvel Studios probably won’t reveal much more until the film’s premiere on July 8. Scottie Andrew, CNN, 18 Apr. 2022 The long-secretive monarchy faces struggles similar to those of other leaders and celebrities who face a voracious appetite for details on their personal lives and health status.Fox News, 23 Oct. 2021 The long-secretive monarchy faces struggles similar to those of other leaders and celebrities who face a voracious appetite for details on their personal lives and health status. Danica Kirka, ajc, 22 Oct. 2021 Netflix is notoriously secretive about its data, not sharing viewership stats even with show makers. David Doty, Forbes, 10 Aug. 2022 Vietnam is famously secretive about its use of capital punishment. Heather Chen, CNN, 27 May 2022 Children are often secretive about suicidal impulses; parents are often in denial. Andrew Solomon, The New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
back-formation from secretiveness, partial translation of French secrétivité