reticence

noun

ret·​i·​cence ˈre-tə-sən(t)s How to pronounce reticence (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being reticent : reserve, restraint
2
: an instance of being reticent
3

Examples of reticence in a Sentence

the publisher's reticence to make content available online for free
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Fisher expressed reticence to discuss the investigation, opting to not mention Miller by name. Matt Rybaltowski, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024 Sadly, in practice, a long holiday hangover tends to limit new releases; platforms’ reticence to compete for attention with an inevitable regime-change media frenzy could also be a factor this year. Judy Berman, TIME, 31 Jan. 2025 Why the reticence? Despite popular sentiment, there are actually quite a few electric vehicles available for much less than the average new vehicle price of $47,000. Ars Technica, 10 Jan. 2025 As Fernandez tries to remember the events of that bright and sunny morning 83 years ago, the details are fragmented by the passage of time, the reticence of trauma. Thomas Curwen, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for reticence

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reticence was in 1603

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Cite this Entry

“Reticence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reticence. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

reticence

noun
ret·​i·​cence ˈret-ə-sən(t)s How to pronounce reticence (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being reticent
a witness's reticence that was unhelpful to police
2
: an instance of being reticent
3

More from Merriam-Webster on reticence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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