reticence

noun

ret·​i·​cence ˈre-tə-sən(t)s How to pronounce reticence (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being reticent : reserve, restraint
2
: an instance of being reticent
3

Examples of reticence in a Sentence

the publisher's reticence to make content available online for free
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Such reticence was already present during Trump’s first term. Peter Schroeder, Foreign Affairs, 17 Jan. 2025 This posture may have at least made some political sense in the early days of the war, but Netanyahu soon understood that Biden's reticence to restrain him had the effect of legitimizing blind vengeance as policy. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 Barry has criticized Green’s record on reproductive healthcare issues and his initial reticence to run for reelection. Melissa Brown, The Tennessean, 1 Nov. 2024 After some initial reticence, the artists (including Gavin Turk, Geraldine Swayne, Jonathan Yeo, Marcus Harvey, Nettie Wakefield, James White and Will Ayres) responded enthusiastically to Rob and Nick Carter’s brief, resulting in a visually rich and stimulating exhibition. Lee Sharrock, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reticence 

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reticence was in 1603

Dictionary Entries Near reticence

Cite this Entry

“Reticence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reticence. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

reticence

noun
ret·​i·​cence ˈret-ə-sən(t)s How to pronounce reticence (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being reticent
a witness's reticence that was unhelpful to police
2
: an instance of being reticent
3

More from Merriam-Webster on reticence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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