unforthcoming
Keeping things back
Unforthcoming describes someone who withholds information or declines to share what's expected.
A witness might be unforthcoming during questioning, offering little beyond yes or no.
The word also applies to things that fail to materialize: The promised funding was unforthcoming.
It carries a sense of reluctance or evasion rather than simple silence.
Disinclined to speak freely
- tight-lippedUnwilling to divulge
- uncommunicativeUnwilling to share thoughts
- guardedWary and restrained
- closemouthedReluctant to speak
cagey · noncommittal · vague · elusive · deflecting · dodgy · withholding · unresponsive
Emotionally withdrawn, uninviting
- distantFar away or aloof
- detachedApart or uninvolved
- withdrawnEmotionally distant, disengaged
- standoffishUnfriendly in manner
unapproachable · cold · remote · restrained · formal · stiff · impersonal · cool
Intentionally concealed
- furtiveSecretive and sly
- hiddenKept out of sight
- veiledConcealed or obscured
- discreetCareful to avoid notice
cryptic · mysterious · enigmatic · opaque · concealing · private · confidential · undisclosed
reticent
Disinclined to speak freely
- tight-lippedUnwilling to divulge
- uncommunicativeUnwilling to share thoughts
- guardedWary and restrained
closemouthed · cagey · noncommittal · vague · elusive · deflecting · dodgy · withholding · unresponsive · unhelpful
aloof
Emotionally withdrawn, uninviting
standoffish · unapproachable · cold · remote · restrained · formal · stiff · impersonal · cool · taciturn
covert
Intentionally concealed
discreet · cryptic · mysterious · enigmatic · opaque · concealing · private · confidential · undisclosed · hushed
- introvertsintrovert, introverted, shy, reserved, loner
unforthcomingforthcoming
Soon to appear
candid · open · transparent · frank · communicative
unforthcominghospitable
Friendly toward guests
genial · welcoming · warm · approachable · friendly