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

• reluctance

Examples of reticence in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Governor does not comment on hypotheticals, spokesman says DeWine's reticence on the guard question came a little more than a half hour into a press conference called to announce a new agreement for the state patrol to assist crime-fighting in Cincinnati. —Patricia Gallagher Newberry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Sep. 2025

President Trump, who has defended Kennedy, expressed some reticence on Friday about Florida’s decision. —Elvia Limon - 09, The Hill, 7 Sep. 2025

As a result, no one can be blamed for approaching this latest entry in the multibillion-dollar franchise with reticence. —Simon Thompson, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

But the reticence evolved after that rule change and as the industry broadened its shareholder base. —Leslie Picker, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2025

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