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
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
In fact, some of Indiana's most pro-Trump lawmakers previously expressed reticence about drawing new maps, though some of the opposition softened in the wake of previous meetings with Vance.
—Hayleigh Colombo, IndyStar, 8 Oct. 2025
Amid mass reticence, An Unfinished Film is an essential yet incomplete outlet for unprocessed trauma.
—Yangyang Cheng, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reticence
Niall Stanage, The Hill, 18 Nov. 2025
Despite Canales’ reticence, there’s little guesswork involved.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2025
In fact, some of Indiana's most pro-Trump lawmakers previously expressed reticence about drawing new maps, though some of the opposition softened in the wake of previous meetings with Vance.
—Hayleigh Colombo, IndyStar, 8 Oct. 2025
Amid mass reticence, An Unfinished Film is an essential yet incomplete outlet for unprocessed trauma.
—Yangyang Cheng, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reticence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reticence
reluctance
Noun
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Regardless of the reason, the reluctance to approve of hunting for food but not trapping for fur sure seems arbitrary to me.—
Skye Goode,
Outdoor Life,
29 Jan. 2026
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The film’s reluctance to reckon more fully with Bell’s role effectively shifts attention away from state power and toward interpersonal grievance.—
Beandrea July,
IndieWire,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reticence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reticence. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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