as in reluctance
a lack of willingness or desire to do or accept something
the publisher's reticence to make content available online for free
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Recent Examples of reticence
Presently, swapping her reticence for a politely commanding air, Victor unfolded herself from the tiny stool and approached the hostess stand.
—
Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 29 June 2025
The Supreme Court's reticence to stop President Donald Trump from revoking automatic birthright citizenship to anyone born in the United States has set off shockwaves among migrant communities.
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 28 June 2025
Arsenal’s reticence to spend on development players is understandable — particularly in the case of last January, when there was also an urgent need for a first-team centre-forward.
—James McNicholas, New York Times, 6 June 2025
Given Moscow’s reticence over peace talks, momentum seems to be growing for taking a more aggressive posture backing sanctions.
—Emily Brooks, The Hill, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for reticence
Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 29 June 2025
The Supreme Court's reticence to stop President Donald Trump from revoking automatic birthright citizenship to anyone born in the United States has set off shockwaves among migrant communities.
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 28 June 2025
Arsenal’s reticence to spend on development players is understandable — particularly in the case of last January, when there was also an urgent need for a first-team centre-forward.
—James McNicholas, New York Times, 6 June 2025
Given Moscow’s reticence over peace talks, momentum seems to be growing for taking a more aggressive posture backing sanctions.
—Emily Brooks, The Hill, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for reticence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reticence
reluctance
Noun
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An October 2022 report by Democratic Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s office revealed numerous complaints coupled with banks’ apparent reluctance to address them, reimburse victims or boot fraudsters from the platform.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
14 Aug. 2025
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Germans are worried about many issues, including tariffs and the economy, but their genuine reluctance to rebuild a strong military and assume leadership in Europe was a palpable theme in our meetings.—
Susan Greene Pallot,
Sun Sentinel,
13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reticence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reticence. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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