uncandid
Holding something back
Uncandid means not frank or forthcoming—holding back information or feelings that honesty would require sharing.
Someone uncandid about their motives leaves you guessing: Her uncandid responses made us suspect she had something to hide.
The word is uncommon; people more often say evasive or not candid.
Inclined to mislead others
- untruthfulNot speaking facts
- lyingStating known falsehoods
- falseNot matching reality
- fraudulentInvolving intentional dishonesty
duplicitous · dissembling · deceptive · misleading · two-faced · mendacious · unscrupulous · disingenuous
Disinclined to speak freely
- tight-lippedUnwilling to divulge
- closemouthedReluctant to speak
- uncommunicativeUnwilling to share thoughts
- taciturnHabitually uncommunicative
unforthcoming · withdrawn · private · clandestine · covert · furtive · surreptitious · hidden
Not straight or immediate
- obliqueAngled, not straightforward
- equivocalUncertain in meaning
- vagueUnclear, ill-defined
- ambiguousHaving multiple interpretations
noncommittal · circumlocutory · hedging · sidestepping · deflecting · dodgy · slippery · elusive
Careful to avoid risk
- waryGuardedly alert
- circumspectCarefully considering consequences
- carefulExercising caution and attention
- reservedRestrained in manner
restrained · measured · calculated · diplomatic · politic · discreet · prudent · watchful
deceitful
Inclined to mislead others
- untruthfulNot speaking facts
- lyingStating known falsehoods
- falseNot matching reality
fraudulent · duplicitous · dissembling · deceptive · misleading · two-faced · mendacious · unscrupulous · disingenuous · insincere
reticent
Disinclined to speak freely
- tight-lippedUnwilling to divulge
- closemouthedReluctant to speak
- uncommunicativeUnwilling to share thoughts
taciturn · unforthcoming · withdrawn · private · clandestine · covert · furtive · surreptitious · hidden · veiled
indirect
Not straight or immediate
ambiguous · noncommittal · circumlocutory · hedging · sidestepping · deflecting · dodgy · slippery · elusive · prevaricating
cautious
Careful to avoid risk
- waryGuardedly alert
- circumspectCarefully considering consequences
- carefulExercising caution and attention
reserved · restrained · measured · calculated · diplomatic · politic · discreet · prudent · watchful · defensive
uncandidcandid
Honest and direct
frank · honest · open · forthright · straightforward