secretive

/ˈsē-krə-tiv/

back-formation from secretiveness, partial translation of French secrétivité

adjective

  1. disposed to secrecy : not open or outgoing in speech, activity, or purposes

silent taciturn reticent reserved secretive mean showing restraint in speaking. silent implies a habit of saying no more than is needed. taciturn implies a temperamental disinclination to speech and usually connotes unsociability.