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

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

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

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