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 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 Some experts believe that the Harris campaign’s reticence to be more overt about its LGBTQ+ allyship could be a defensive move: Republicans are reportedly spending millions on anti-trans attack ads in competitive races across the country. Nico Lang, Them, 18 Oct. 2024 The film quickly establishes the Narrator’s emotional reticence. Stephen Kearse, The Atlantic, 15 Oct. 2024 But his critics on the left, many of them of color, have long pointed out these very blind spots in his work—the parochialism of his politics and his reticence where Muslim, and particularly Palestinian, death and suffering were concerned. Parul Sehgal, The New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reticence 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reticence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 5 Nov. 2024.

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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