Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for reticence

reticence

[ ret-uh-suhns ]

noun

  1. the state of being reticent, or reserved, especially with regard to speaking freely; restraint:

    His natural reticence seemed to disappear under the influence of alcohol.



Discover More

Other Words From

  • non·reti·cence noun
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of reticence1

First recorded in 1600–10; from French réticence, from Latin reticentia, equivalent to reticent-, stem of reticēns (present participle of reticēre “to be silent”) + -ia -y 3( def ); reticent ( def )
Discover More

Example Sentences

Loeb also writes about how science can be overly conservative at times—aiming his complaints in particular on the reticence to elevate the question of alien life to a more prominent place in our hypotheses about what we see in the universe around us.

Welch, 36, understands the reticence but thinks it’s important to not ignore the elephant and the donkey in the room.

Vincent Hutchings, a political science professor at the University of Michigan who specializes in voting and public opinion, said such reticence is stronger in neighborhoods that have historically been segregated.

Taylor said he is encouraging former officials such as Mattis and Kelly to see that now is the time to break their self-imposed reticence.

He says that he’s experienced “a great deal of reticence and non-movement” when it comes to promoting the program to the people who meet its requirements.

But there's a reticence to discuss or consider such acts of violence committed by women as legitimate.

Her reticence is not uncommon among online supporters of Officer Wilson.

Our reticence to state the obvious but unproven may be understandable, and even prudent, but it is not helpful.

This reticence—this reserve—suits Beck's voice and personality much better than the confessional self-consciousness of Sea Change.

It was natural that reticence would appear in their literature.

And now to her candid and naturally confiding nature this reticence gave her almost a guilty feeling.

If we consult human nature, the only causes to which we can assign this reticence are, conscientious cowardice and dishonesty.

Is the reticence real or is this some wonderful trick of his, this making his guest feel superior?

You must not be angry with him, Art, because his very reticence means that all his brains are working for her good.

Such mysterious reticence was in direct opposition to ordinary governmental procedure in similar cases.

Advertisement

Related Words

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


retiaryreticent