reticence

noun

ret·​i·​cence ˈre-tə-sən(t)s 

1

: the quality or state of being reticent : reserve, restraint

2

: an instance of being reticent

3

: reluctance sense 1

Synonyms

• disinclination
• hesitance
• hesitancy
• reluctance
• unwillingness

Examples of reticence in a Sentence

the publisher's reticence to make content available online for free

Recent Examples on the Web

Political uncertainty historically leads to consumer reticence—a reluctance to buy and an impulse to hoard savings. —Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 24 Mar. 2025

The problem is the school’s reticence to accept transfers at large scale and lack of desire to play the NIL game. —Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2025

The episode wasn’t the first time Steichen’s reticence to share information left his young QB exposed. —Zak Keefer, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025

While Adams filed a lawsuit against Trump seeking to recoup the $80 million, he’s still been broadly criticized for a reticence to publicly criticize the president. —Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

reticence

noun

ret·​i·​cence ˈret-ə-sən(t)s 

1

: the quality or state of being reticent

a witness's reticence that was unhelpful to police

2

: an instance of being reticent

3

: reluctance