RETICENCE Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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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 There's a lot of reticence to step up again right now. —

Dana Taylor, USA Today, 28 May 2026 The Berlin Film Festival has demonstrated reticence about addressing geopolitical matters, but Cannes leader Thierry Frémaux is showing no such hesitation, at least as regards the war in Ukraine. —

Matthew Carey, Deadline, 23 May 2026 And yet, when Obama won the Presidency, Bush greeted him with graceful comments of welcome, and then embarked on a retirement characterized by reticence. —

Peter Slevin, New Yorker, 4 May 2026 Neville hedges his bet by filling us in on Michaels’ spotlight apprehension, making his reticence a through line. —

Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reticence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reticence

reluctance

Noun

The reason for this defeat was not a reluctance to use force.

— Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 19 June 2026
In what may be a sign of Ossoff’s reluctance to discuss a 2028 campaign for president, his campaign declined USA TODAY's request for an interview.

— Jay Stahl, USA Today, 18 June 2026