reticence

noun

ret·​i·​cence ˈre-tə-sən(t)s How to pronounce reticence (audio)
Synonyms of reticencenext
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.
Navarro’s reticence about his background may have reflected a protectiveness toward his mother, who later remarried and became wealthy enough to give him hundreds of thousands of dollars, which helped fund his political career. Ian Parker, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025 China’s leaders took the reticence not as a sign of partnership but as a symptom of weakness. Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025 Democrats know Trump’s reticence about Epstein has played into their hands. Niall Stanage, The Hill, 18 Nov. 2025 Despite Canales’ reticence, there’s little guesswork involved. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Reticence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reticence. Accessed 26 Dec. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on reticence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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