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 This reticence is sometimes interpreted as an intentional move by Voynich, meant to conceal the manuscript’s modern creation. Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 31 Jan. 2024 Last week’s 49ers win over the Packers is the perfect example of Shanahan’s reticence towards aggression: The 49ers had the ball at their 25-yard line with 4:09 to play in the first half and three timeouts. Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 26 Jan. 2024 Here, this harmonically savvy sibling duo unearths the nuance of reticence of moving on after a relationship that once held so much hope has fizzled. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 8 Jan. 2024 There are more amicus briefs in support of Trump than of the Colorado Supreme Court amid a larger reticence from Democrats to support the case, which some of Trump’s defenders – like Sen. Josh Hawley, a Missouri Republican – have pointed out. Daniel Desrochers, Kansas City Star, 23 Jan. 2024 Al-Kadhi captures both of Layla’s worlds with an astute eye for the details that define their relationships: Layla’s reticence and reluctance when their sister keeps reaching out, and their tender physical bond with Max. Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 18 Jan. 2024 The fresh figures underscored the reason for the Fed’s reticence: Inflation may be decelerating, but the process of fully reining it in remains a bumpy one. Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2023 Microsoft’s string of failures in locking down its certification program, and its reticence when disclosing them, are undermining the entire concept of security, much to the delight of these adversaries. Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 25 Aug. 2023 The United States, Israel's main ally, has shown greater reticence over the impact of the war in Gaza. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 30 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reticence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reticence was in 1603

Dictionary Entries Near reticence

Cite this Entry

“Reticence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reticence. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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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