The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word RETICENT
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
R
E
T
I
C
E
N
T
More clues leading to the result RETICENT
- Secretive about explosive used to capture diamonds
- Late, perhaps holding it back?
- Reluctant to quote over dividing lease
- Hire after receiving elevated quote? That’s not saying much
- Secretive priests occasionally needing a little money
- Reserved lease covering quote rejected
- Reserved return call curbed by result of Ripper’s action?
- Grip umpteenth rally has reserved
- Entice Rex around back of coconut shy
- Brett, Nick and René all discovered time is backward
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Secretive" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case secretive = reticent.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does RETICENT mean?
RETICENT adjective- Keeping one's thoughts and opinions to oneself; reserved or restrained.
- Hesitant or not wanting to take some action; reluctant (usually followed by a verb in the infinitive).