reticence

noun

ret·​i·​cence ˈre-tə-sən(t)s 

1

: the quality or state of being reticent : reserve, restraint

2

: an instance of being reticent

3

: reluctance sense 1

Synonyms

• disinclination
• hesitance
• hesitancy
• reluctance
• unwillingness

Examples of reticence in a Sentence

the publisher's reticence to make content available online for free

Recent Examples on the Web

Rodgers’ explanations for his reticence to throw it deep have ranged from the offensive line needing to hold blocks for longer to, last week, the Colts defense deploying two-high coverage and forcing him into dump-offs and short throws. —Zack Rosenblatt, The Athletic, 22 Nov. 2024

In person, the actress exudes intellectual intensity and modish English reticence, though there’s a certain mischievous energy, of the kind that defined her early performances, that glimmers in her eyes. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024

In some respects, Meta’s reticence is just part of a broader cultural shift. —Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2024

Part of the reason for the reticence must be the high capital costs associated with installing the ASU and new burners, but part is due to the natural conservatism of power plant operators. —Erik Kobayashi-Solomon, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

reticence

noun

ret·​i·​cence ˈret-ə-sən(t)s 

1

: the quality or state of being reticent

a witness's reticence that was unhelpful to police

2

: an instance of being reticent

3

: reluctance