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

This conservative approach has been encouraged in part by the blank verse, but also by a traditional reticence of scholars to take liberties with the evidence. — Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026

That reticence ended after the tree-cutting spree earlier this month. — Gary Fields, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026

Serena tells him his former boss Elliott Wyatt recommended him highly, which is strange given his former reticence. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026

Anderson matches his subject’s reticence with a similarly spartan approach. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 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