close-mouthed
Not telling anyone
Close-mouthed describes someone who is reluctant to speak or share information, keeping thoughts and secrets to themselves.
A close-mouthed person might be guarding sensitive information or simply disinclined to chat.
She remained close-mouthed about the details of her divorce.
The word suggests deliberate restraint rather than shyness, often implying that the person knows more than they're willing to say.
Unwilling to divulge
- discreetCareful to avoid notice
- reticentDisinclined to speak freely
- uncommunicativeUnwilling to share thoughts
- guardedWary and restrained
silent · cagey · evasive · circumspect · hushed · confidential · cryptic · covert
tight-lipped
Unwilling to divulge
- discreetCareful to avoid notice
- reticentDisinclined to speak freely
- uncommunicativeUnwilling to share thoughts
guarded · silent · cagey · evasive · circumspect · hushed · confidential · cryptic · covert · furtive
taciturn
Habitually uncommunicative
- quietLacking in sound
- introvertedTurned toward inner life
- withdrawnEmotionally distant, disengaged
private · aloof · unforthcoming · stoic · laconic · terse · shy · bashful · retiring · standoffish
close-mouthedtalkative
Inclined to speak much
forthcoming · open · communicative · outspoken · garrulous
close-mouthedindiscreet
Lacking prudent restraint
loose-lipped · talkative · forthcoming · blabby · gossipy
close, closed, closely, closeness, closer, closest, closing, closure, closable