Close-tongued is a term used to describe someone who is not open about their thoughts, feelings, or actions. This term can be used in a negative or a positive sense. Synonyms for close-tongued include reticent, reserved, withdrawn, guarded, secretive, and taciturn. A reticent individual tends to be reserved in their communication and may not offer information freely. The word reserved suggests a restraint in speech and behavior. A withdrawn person is introverted and prefers solitude. Guarded individuals tend to protect their thoughts and feelings from being disclosed. Secretive and taciturn individuals are intentionally and implicitly using silence as a means to conceal.