reserved

adjective re·served \ri-ˈzərvd\

: not openly expressing feelings or opinions

: kept for use only by a particular person or group

Full Definition of RESERVED

: restrained in words and actions

: kept or set apart or aside for future or special use

— re·serv·ed·ly \-ˈzər-vəd-lē\ adverb

— re·serv·ed·ness \-ˈzər-vəd-nəs\ noun

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First Known Use of RESERVED

1601

Related to RESERVED

Synonyms: closemouthed, dumb, laconic, silent, reticent, taciturn, tight-lipped, uncommunicative

Antonyms: blabby, chatty, communicative, conversational, gabby, garrulous, loquacious, motormouthed, mouthy, talkative, talky, unreserved

Synonym Discussion of RESERVED

silent, taciturn, reticent, reserved, secretive mean showing restraint in speaking. 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>.