reticence

noun

ret·​i·​cence ˈre-tə-sən(t)s How to pronounce reticence (audio)
Synonyms of reticence
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Quibi debacle has not completely thawed that reticence. Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 There's a lot of reticence to step up again right now. Dana Taylor, USA Today, 28 May 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for reticence

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reticence was in 1603

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reticence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reticence. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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

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