keep quiet

idiom

1
: to not say anything or make any noise
He thought about telling the police what he knew, but he decided to keep quiet.
Please keep quiet during the movie.
2
: to not say anything about (something)
She kept her plans quiet.
3
: to prevent (someone or something) from making noise
She gave the dog a bone to keep him quiet.
4
: to prevent (someone) from revealing information about something
They paid money to the witness to keep him quiet.

Examples of keep quiet 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.
At the end of Season 3, Belinda finds herself in a surprising position of power after Greg offers her $100,000 to keep quiet about his identity. Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025 The White Lotus star Patrick Schwarzenegger breaks down latest brotherly love development: 'Whoa' This week's episode revealed Greg's nefarious plan to — offer her $100,000 to keep quiet about his current location. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 31 Mar. 2025 During part two of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills season 14 reunion special, the reality star, 56, defended her decision to keep quiet about her relationship with Morgan Wade, after their friendship fueled rumors of a potential romance. Esther Kang, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025 For women’s college basketball coaches, motherhood is no longer something to keep quiet. Richard Deitsch, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for keep quiet

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Cite this Entry

“Keep quiet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keep%20quiet. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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