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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of reticence
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
Heath Ledger, speaking in a muffled drawl, showed you that a performance could be repressed and transcendent at the same time; his reticence broke your heart.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 May 2025
So her reticence starts out appropriate, but when the dynamics escalate between Annie and Jon, Beatty remains much the same: on guard, with tight shoulders and wide eyes.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for reticence
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
Heath Ledger, speaking in a muffled drawl, showed you that a performance could be repressed and transcendent at the same time; his reticence broke your heart.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 May 2025
So her reticence starts out appropriate, but when the dynamics escalate between Annie and Jon, Beatty remains much the same: on guard, with tight shoulders and wide eyes.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for reticence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reticence
reluctance
Noun
-
Although the cap mirrors a G7 mechanism, U.S. reluctance to support a lower price forced the EU to act independently.—
Katya Soldak,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
-
Hazel’s reluctance stems from her personal knowledge of the priest.—
Oline H. Cogdill,
Sun Sentinel,
20 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reticence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reticence. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share