RETICENCE Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

reticence

noun

ˈre-tə-sən(t)s

Definition of reticence

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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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 Pennick and Kathy Elgas had — yet again — bantered that very morning over his reticence to adopt another cat, with the volunteer emphasizing the overwhelming need and Pennick stressing his need to protect his heart from the inevitable pain of a cat eventually dying. — Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026 The reticence of Cartland’s heroes belies agonies of loneliness. — Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026 Shatter the beach-y expectation Part of Bri’s reticence came down to making sure the vibe wasn’t too barefoot. — Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 June 2026 In fact, during the oral argument, several of the justices expressed reticence about further reforms that might commercialize college sports. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for reticence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reticence

reluctance

Noun

In stopping short of imposing sanctions on the Egyptian bank, the Republican administration appeared to be signaling its reluctance to penalize major trading partners that do business with Iran, including China and India.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
But rising costs and a reluctance to return to social spaces after the pandemic have hit restaurants hard in an already challenging industry.

— Whitney Eulich, Christian Science Monitor, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of reluctance

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rethought

reticence

reticency

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“Reticence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reticence. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of reticence

noun

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