When looking for antonyms for “outspoken,” it is important to understand the meaning of the term. Outspoken is characterized by freely expressing one’s opinions or thoughts without holding back. The opposite of outspoken involves being more reserved or hesitant in sharing one’s thoughts or feelings.
Individuals who are not outspoken may be described as more guarded or cautious in their communication style. They may choose their words carefully and keep a low profile in group discussions or debates. This can imply a sense of discretion or restraint in expressing opinions or emotions.
In contrast to being outspoken, being reserved or discreet can often be seen as a sign of thoughtfulness and diplomacy. People who exhibit these characteristics may prefer to listen more than speak and avoid drawing attention to themselves in social settings. By exploring antonyms for outspoken, we gain insight into the various ways individuals choose to communicate and engage with others.
35 Antonyms for OUTSPOKEN With Sentences
Here’s a complete list of opposite for outspoken. Practice and let us know if you have any questions regarding OUTSPOKEN antonyms.
| Antonym | Sentence with Outspoken | Sentence with Antonym |
|---|---|---|
| Reticent | She is outspoken about her political views. | He is reticent and keeps his opinions to himself. |
| Reserved | The director was always outspoken in his criticism. | The new intern was reserved and didn’t speak up. |
| Taciturn | She was known for being outspoken and direct. | He was quite taciturn and rarely said more than necessary. |
| Muted | Their outspoken leader was a strong advocate. | The new spokesperson was rather muted and chose his words carefully. |
| Shy | She was always outspoken about the issue. | Her brother, on the other hand, was quite shy and avoided confrontation. |
| Hesitant | The professor is known for being outspoken in class. | The student, however, is often hesitant to voice his opinions. |
| Laid-back | She is always outspoken about her feelings. | He, on the other hand, is very laid-back and keeps things to himself. |
| Low-key | The activist was incredibly outspoken about her beliefs. | Her friend, however, preferred to stay low-key and not draw attention to himself. |
| Subdued | She has always been very outspoken about social issues. | Her colleague, however, is more subdued and keeps quiet about controversial topics. |
| Mellow | The musician was outspoken in interviews. | His bandmate, however, was more mellow and reserved in public appearances. |
| Timid | He tends to be very outspoken when discussing politics. | His sister, on the other hand, is quite timid and avoids arguments. |
| Indirect | She is never afraid to be outspoken about her opinions. | Her friend, however, often communicates in an indirect manner, avoiding confrontation. |
| Quiet | The lecturer was known for being very outspoken in debates. | His assistant, on the other hand, was extremely quiet and rarely spoke up. |
| Unobtrusive | She was always outspoken in her criticism of the company. | Her colleague, however, was very unobtrusive and kept her opinions to herself. |
| Restrained | The politician was known for being extremely outspoken during elections. | His opponent, however, was more restrained and avoided controversial statements. |
| Understated | She is always outspoken about social injustices. | Her brother, however, is more understated and prefers to work behind the scenes. |
| Temperate | The journalist was known for being outspoken in press conferences. | The editor, however, was more temperate and avoided sensationalism. |
| Introverted | She has always been very outspoken when discussing environmental issues. | Her friend, however, is more introverted and avoids public speaking. |
| Composed | The CEO was incredibly outspoken during the negotiations. | His assistant, however, was very composed and diplomatic in her approach. |
| Impassive | She tends to be very outspoken in her criticism of policies. | Her colleague, however, is rather impassive and rarely shows her emotions. |
| Tactful | The activist was known for being outspoken about human rights. | Her partner, however, was more tactful and gentle in her approach. |
| Controlled | She is never afraid to be outspoken in her views on social issues. | Her teammate, however, is more controlled and strategic in expressing opinions. |
| Introverted | The artist is known for being very outspoken about art censorship. | Her friend, however, is more introverted and avoids public discussions. |
| Closed-mouthed | She is always outspoken about her beliefs on gender equality. | Her coworker, however, is rather closed-mouthed and stays away from controversial topics. |
| Gentle | He was quite outspoken in his criticism of the team’s strategy. | His coach, however, was more gentle and offered constructive feedback. |
| Calm | She is always outspoken in her criticism of the government. | Her colleague, however, is more calm and avoids heated discussions. |
| Subtle | The artist was known for being extremely outspoken about politics. | Her friend, however, was more subtle in expressing her views. |
| Guarded | She tends to be very outspoken about environmental issues. | Her neighbor, however, is rather guarded and keeps her opinions private. |
| Reserved | The actress was incredibly outspoken in interviews. | Her costar, however, was very reserved and revealed little about her personal life. |
Final Thoughts about Antonyms of OUTSPOKEN
Expressing oneself with subtlety can be just as effective as being overtly outspoken. Sometimes, being reserved can convey a sense of maturity and thoughtfulness. While being discreet may not grab immediate attention, it can lead to more impactful communication in the long run. By choosing to be understated, individuals can create an aura of sophistication and elegance in their interactions.
On the other hand, being outspoken and blunt can sometimes come off as abrasive or tactless. It is important to strike a balance between being upfront and being respectful of others’ feelings. By tempering outspokenness with diplomacy, individuals can foster more harmonious relationships and achieve their goals more effectively.