untalkative
Not much speaking
Untalkative describes someone who doesn't talk much—quiet, reserved, not given to conversation.
The word is straightforward but uncommon; people more often say quiet or use positive framings like reserved.
He was untalkative at dinner, answering questions with single words.
Disinclined to speak freely
- taciturnHabitually uncommunicative
- uncommunicativeUnwilling to share thoughts
- guardedWary and restrained
- unforthcomingReluctant to share information
private · discreet · withdrawn · aloof · distant · standoffish · restrained · secretive
Without voice or sound
- speechlessUnable to talk
- wordlessLacking spoken content
- voicelessHaving no voice
- tight-lippedUnwilling to divulge
dumbstruck · tongue-tied · nonverbal · hushed · quiet · soft-spoken · mum · zipped
Uncomfortably self-conscious
- timidLacking courage or confidence
- introvertedTurned toward inner life
- self-effacingDownplaying one's own importance
- retiringLeaving the workforce
withdrawn · diffident · meek · inhibited · self-conscious · awkward · nervous · hesitant
Casting back light
- pensiveQuietly, sadly thoughtful
- introspectiveExamining one's own mind
- thoughtfulShowing careful consideration
- meditativeInclined toward deep reflection
brooding · contemplative · deep · serious · solemn · grave · sober · philosophical
reticent
Disinclined to speak freely
- taciturnHabitually uncommunicative
- uncommunicativeUnwilling to share thoughts
- guardedWary and restrained
unforthcoming · private · discreet · withdrawn · aloof · distant · standoffish · restrained · secretive · tight-lipped
mute
Without voice or sound
- speechlessUnable to talk
- wordlessLacking spoken content
- voicelessHaving no voice
tight-lipped · dumbstruck · tongue-tied · nonverbal · hushed · quiet · soft-spoken · mum · zipped · buttoned-up
bashful
Uncomfortably self-conscious
- timidLacking courage or confidence
- introvertedTurned toward inner life
- self-effacingDownplaying one's own importance
retiring · withdrawn · diffident · meek · inhibited · self-conscious · awkward · nervous · hesitant · unassuming
reflective
Casting back light
- pensiveQuietly, sadly thoughtful
- introspectiveExamining one's own mind
- thoughtfulShowing careful consideration
meditative · brooding · contemplative · deep · serious · solemn · grave · sober · philosophical · ruminative