silent auction

noun

Synonyms of silent auctionnext
: an auction in which sealed bids are submitted beforehand

Examples of silent auction 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.
There will also be a silent auction and a succulent plant sale. — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026 The event includes lunch, dinner, live and silent auctions and a chance to meet World Surf League champion Kelly Slater. — Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026 Silicon Valley private schools are trading silent auctions for cap tables with a handful of Bay Area campuses now running miniature venture funds steered by parent-investors from Sequoia, Lightspeed, and Battery. — Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2026 Admission to the bazaar is free, but guests can support the Buddhist church and the historic festival through a silent auction. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for silent auction

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of silent auction was in 1866

Rhymes for silent auction

See All Rhymes for silent auction

Browse Nearby Words

silent area
silent auction
silent barter
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Silent auction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silent%20auction. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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