as in dismissal
treatment that is deliberately unfriendly
ever since our run-in at the party she's been giving me the silent treatment
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of silent treatment
This silent treatment was later clarified to be part of McIlroy’s strategy to eliminate distractions.
—
Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2025
This distress often results in either combative behavior (arguing, criticizing) or withdrawal (silent treatment, shutting down).
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
No guilt-tripping, no last-minute attempts to change your mind, no silent treatment later on.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
No spanking, humiliation, silent treatment, name calling, withholding of love and affection, or nonsensical punishments and consequences.
—Meghan Leahy, Washington Post, 3 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for silent treatment
Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2025
This distress often results in either combative behavior (arguing, criticizing) or withdrawal (silent treatment, shutting down).
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
No guilt-tripping, no last-minute attempts to change your mind, no silent treatment later on.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
No spanking, humiliation, silent treatment, name calling, withholding of love and affection, or nonsensical punishments and consequences.
—Meghan Leahy, Washington Post, 3 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for silent treatment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for silent treatment
Noun
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Both the Associated Press and NBC News reported the dismissals on June 27, citing anonymous sources familiar with the matter and a letter signed by Attorney General Pam Bondi to one of the attorneys.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
29 June 2025
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The recent dismissal of Carla Hayden, the first woman and first African American to serve as Librarian of Congress, signals a troubling disregard for the importance and neutrality of libraries.—
Linda Johnson,
New York Daily News,
27 June 2025
Noun
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While major studios remain reluctant to take him back, Hammer insists he’s unbothered by the industry’s cold shoulder.—
Scott Roxborough,
The Hollywood Reporter,
14 Feb. 2025
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Listen to this article Who says the NCAA wants to give Denver a cold shoulder?—
Sean Keeler,
The Denver Post,
22 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Losing a job, or facing creative rejection, is a very real type of grief that doesn’t always get depicted as grief.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
27 June 2025
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Despite the constant rejection, Van-Der-Sluis seems determined to find the love of his life.—
Allison DeGrushe Published,
EW.com,
26 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Silent treatment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/silent%20treatment. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
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