Reticence — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈre-tə-sən(t)s/ ret·i·cence

Meaning & Definition of Reticence

Reticence (noun)

  1. the quality or state of being reticent, reserve, restraint
  2. an instance of being reticent
  3. reluctance

Reticence (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a lack of willingness or desire to do or accept something

    "the publisher's reticence to make content available online for free"

    similar: disinclination, hesitance, hesitancy, reluctance, unwillingness
    related: faltering, fence-sitting, hesitation, indecision, irresolution, shilly-shallying, staggering, vacillation, wavering, wobbling, distrust, distrustfulness, doubt, incertitude, misdoubt, misgiving, mistrust, mistrustfulness, skepticism, suspicion, uncertainness, uncertainty
    opposite: inclination, willingness
    near: assurance, assuredness, certainty, certitude, conviction, positiveness, sureness, surety

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Reticence

The most common words with a similar meaning to Reticence:

disinclination, hesitance, hesitancy, reluctance, unwillingness

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Reticence

Words with the opposite meaning of Reticence:

inclination, willingness

Related Words for Reticence

faltering, fence-sitting, hesitation, indecision, irresolution, shilly-shallying, staggering, vacillation, wavering, wobbling, distrust, distrustfulness, doubt, incertitude, misdoubt, misgiving, mistrust, mistrustfulness, skepticism, suspicion, uncertainness, uncertainty

Near Antonyms of Reticence

assurance, assuredness, certainty, certitude, conviction, positiveness, sureness, surety

Origin & Etymology of Reticence

First known use: 1603

Frequently Asked Questions about Reticence

What does "Reticence" mean?

"Reticence" means the quality or state of being reticent, reserve, restraint. As a noun, it is defined as: the quality or state of being reticent, reserve, restraint.

What is another word for "Reticence"?

Other words for "Reticence" include disinclination, hesitance, hesitancy, reluctance and unwillingness. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Reticence" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Reticence"?

There are 27 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Reticence". Common alternatives include disinclination, hesitance, hesitancy, reluctance and unwillingness.

What is the opposite of "Reticence"?

Antonyms of "Reticence" include inclination and willingness. Near antonyms include assurance, assuredness, certainty and certitude.

How do you use "Reticence" in a sentence?

Examples of "Reticence" in a sentence: "the publisher's reticence to make content available online for free".

Is "Reticence" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Reticence" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Reticence"?

"Reticence" is pronounced /ˈre-tə-sən(t)s/ and divided into syllables as ret·i·cence.

What is the origin of the word "Reticence"?

First known use: 1603.