Synonyms of reticence

reticence

noun

ˈre-tə-sən(t)s 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reluctance
• hesitancy
• unwillingness
• hesitance
• doubt
• disinclination
• skepticism
• hesitation
• suspicion
• indecision
• uncertainty
• vacillation
• irresolution
• wavering
• distrust
• faltering
• staggering
• mistrust
• wobbling
• fence-sitting
• incertitude
• shilly-shallying
• misgiving
• distrustfulness
• mistrustfulness
• misdoubt
• uncertainness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• willingness
• inclination
• conviction
• assurance
• certainty
• surety
• certitude
• assuredness
• positiveness
• sureness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of reticence

In Chile, in addition to the geological challenges discussed above, some reticence to invest in copper development may also be due in part to the strength of the country’s lithium sector. — Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Also in that courtroom that first day is his brother Jack (Noah Centineo), a more visibly restless and outgoing soul compared to Cody’s protective reticence. — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026

But the best quarterbacks ultimately find a way, and the circumstances for this team and player remove any reticence to being malleable. — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 28 July 2026

Pennick and Kathy Elgas had — yet again — bantered that very morning over his reticence to adopt another cat, with the volunteer emphasizing the overwhelming need and Pennick stressing his need to protect his heart from the inevitable pain of a cat eventually dying. — Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026