reticence
Americannoun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of reticence
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. ); see reticent ( def. )
Explanation
Reticence is a kind of reserve, wanting to avoid communication and not wanting to offer any more information than is necessary. Reticence is a noun originating from the Latin word reticent, meaning “remaining silent.” Someone charged with a crime might be instructed by their lawyer to show reticence when being questioned by police. As a child, reticence saved you from getting in trouble when mom asked who ate all the cookies from the jar.
Vocabulary lists containing reticence
The Things They Carried
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The Kite Runner
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Unbroken
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But that reticence does not extend to providing emotional, practical and financial support if your daughter leaves her husband.
From MarketWatch • May 4, 2026
Neville hedges his bet by filling us in on Michaels’ spotlight apprehension, making his reticence a through line.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026
Yun Sun, director of the China program of the Washington-based Stimson Center, said China's reticence was out of character and suspected Iran may have strategically tried to emphasize Beijing's power of persuasion.
From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026
Such baseless reticence only makes us more defiant and less inquisitive.
From Salon • Feb. 23, 2026
The youth knew me and had no reticence in talking since he was sure I was “one of them” so to speak.
From "Black Like Me" by John Howard Griffin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
