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

The Berlin Film Festival has demonstrated reticence about addressing geopolitical matters, but Cannes leader Thierry Frémaux is showing no such hesitation, at least as regards the war in Ukraine. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 23 May 2026

And yet, when Obama won the Presidency, Bush greeted him with graceful comments of welcome, and then embarked on a retirement characterized by reticence. —Peter Slevin, New Yorker, 4 May 2026

Neville hedges his bet by filling us in on Michaels’ spotlight apprehension, making his reticence a through line. —Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026

More recently, the controversial designer John Galliano used the house’s reticence as a refuge to rebuild his reputation after a series of antisemitic rants led to his ouster from French fashion monolith Dior in 2011. —Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 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