nonverbal

adjective non·ver·bal \ ˌnän-ˈvər-bəl \

|Updated on: 16 Jun 2018

Examples: nonverbal in a Sentence

Definition of nonverbal

: not verbal: such as

a : being other than verbal

nonverbal factors

b : involving minimal use of language

nonverbal tests

c : ranking low in verbal skill

a nonverbal child

—

nonverbally

play \ˌnän-ˈvər-bə-lē\ adverb

See nonverbal defined for English-language learners

See nonverbal defined for kids

Examples of nonverbal in a Sentence

Facial expressions are very important for nonverbal communication.

Recent Examples of nonverbal from the Web

Many pointed out that this was simply Kate's nonverbal way to tell Camilla to quiet down.

— amanda garrity, Good Housekeeping, "Kate Middleton Gave Camilla Major Side-Eye at the Royal Wedding," 19 May 2018
The research assistant rated participants’ nonverbal behavior, such as smiling or their level of physical engagement in the interaction, as more comfortable and less anxious when the research assistant’s race was identified.

— sarah e. gaither, Vox, "I study biracial identity in America. Here’s why Meghan Markle is a big deal.," 18 May 2018
Joe Clyde Daniels, a nonverbal boy with autism, was reported missing by his parents on April 4th, prompting a massive search involving multiple law enforcement agencies and hundreds of volunteers.

— crimesider staff, CBS News, "Search for missing autistic boy takes grim turn as father is arrested," 9 Apr. 2018
In a pretty easy-to-understand nonverbal response, Chopra burst into a huge grin, covered her face in her hands, and broke into a silent fit of giggles.

— andrea park, Glamour, "Priyanka Chopra Just Hinted That Meghan Markle Cried When She Found Her Wedding Dress," 4 May 2018
With help from a counselor, Jasmine Bizzell, who is nonverbal, enjoyed the pool last year at the Autism Society of North Carolina's Camp Royall in Pittsboro.

— cassie cope, charlotteobserver, "How the Charlotte Observer's Summer Camp fund helps kids — and donors | Charlotte Observer," 3 May 2018
So all of these, this is nonverbal communicating, Laura, which is what I'm trained in, specifically in Israel for boarding flights in Israel, to go to Israel.

— Fox News, "Rep. Sean Duffy on McCabe's firing: Swamp is being drained," 23 Mar. 2018
The report also recommends limited use of video hearings, saying judges are stymied by technical difficulties and also are less able to read the subtle cues and nonverbal communications of witnesses and people involved in the hearings.

— tal kopan, CNN, "Justice report's findings clash with Sessions' actions," 23 Apr. 2018
Fittingly, the effect of these tweaks, along with some major nonverbal alterations, is transformative.

— jesse green, New York Times, "Review: Whose ‘Fair Lady’? This Time, Eliza’s in Charge," 19 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nonverbal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.