sibilance

noun

sib·​i·​lance ˈsi-bə-lən(t)s How to pronounce sibilance (audio)
Synonyms of sibilancenext
: a sibilant quality or sound

Examples of sibilance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The album’s official versions smooth out some of the buzzy sibilance of the bootlegs, but Hold Onto Me Infinity accommodates lots of tasteful clangs and wubs. H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 2 June 2026 While Callahan’s baritone vocals are good and hefty, there’s a bit of undue sibilance in his voice. Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 1 Apr. 2026 Grand Luna has an unprecedented high-frequency extension that goes as high as 30kHz, while remaining smooth, non-fatiguing, and eliminating harshness or sibilance thanks to Campfire’s acoustic engineering. Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025 However, things never get out of hand and there isn’t a hint of sibilance. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 What about sibilance processing or other dynamic compression? Nate Anderson, Ars Technica, 6 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sibilance was in 1823

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Cite this Entry

“Sibilance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sibilance. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

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