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 of reticence

• reluctance

Examples of reticence in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

There's a lot of reticence to step up again right now. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 28 May 2026

The reticence about the number of robots is kind of part of the story. — John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

But, in general, the subject elicited private reticence and public omertà. — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 3 July 2026

Shatter the beach-y expectation Part of Bri’s reticence came down to making sure the vibe wasn’t too barefoot. — Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 June 2026

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