Entry Word: silent

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 deliberately refraining from speech <the suddenly silent child had to be prompted to say hello>

Synonyms dumb, mum, mute, speechless, uncommunicative

Related Words inarticulate, tongue-tied; nonvocal, voiceless

Near Antonyms articulate, eloquent, fluent, voluble; gabby, garrulous, loquacious, talkative, talky; outspoken, unreserved, vocal

Antonyms communicative, speaking, talking

2 tending not to speak frequently (as by habit or inclination) <a naturally silent boy, he was often overshadowed by his louder siblings>

Synonyms closemouthed, laconic, reserved, reticent, taciturn, tight-lipped, uncommunicative

Related Words inhibited, introverted, restrained; sedate, self-contained, sober, staid

Near Antonyms free-spoken, outspoken, vocal; blabby, gossipy, talebearing; long-winded, verbose, windy, wordy

Antonyms chatty, communicative, conversational, gabby, garrulous, loquacious, talkative, talky, unreserved

3 mostly or entirely without sound <the room was so silent that you could have heard a pin drop>

Synonyms hushed, muted, noiseless, quiet, quieted, soundless, still

Related Words peaceful, tranquil

Antonyms noisy, unquiet