stage whisper
noun
1
: a loud whisper by an actor that is audible to the spectators but is supposed for dramatic effect not to be heard by one or more of the actors
2
: an audible whisper
Examples of stage whisper in a Sentence
“I've had more than I can stand,” she complained in a stage whisper.
Recent Examples on the Web
But several lawmakers have been using their best stage whisper to urge Leadership teams in the House and Senate that this sort of sloppy handling of sensitive information cannot become normalized.
—
Philip Elliott, Time, 22 Apr. 2025
Do not ask questions or prompt your child to ask questions through nods, nudges, stage whispers, or stares.
—Alyssa Brandt, The New Yorker, 12 June 2023
Zerwas is known for his staunch conservative positions and zealous floor speeches, given in an unmistakable rasp, which sounds like a stage whisper.
—Dave Orrick, Twin Cities, 25 Nov. 2019
Her voice is always at the same decibel and sounds more like a stage whisper than regular speech.
—refinery29.com, 21 May 2018
This may come as a surprise to no one, but [stage whispers] National Geographic (along with many other publications) used to be hella, obviously racist.
—Breanna Edwards, The Root, 12 Mar. 2018
Hunt down that secret pizza joint inside the Cosmopolitan that everyone recommends in stage whispers.
—Mark Ellwood, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Oct. 2017
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Philip Elliott, Time, 22 Apr. 2025
Do not ask questions or prompt your child to ask questions through nods, nudges, stage whispers, or stares.
—Alyssa Brandt, The New Yorker, 12 June 2023
Zerwas is known for his staunch conservative positions and zealous floor speeches, given in an unmistakable rasp, which sounds like a stage whisper.
—Dave Orrick, Twin Cities, 25 Nov. 2019
Her voice is always at the same decibel and sounds more like a stage whisper than regular speech.
—refinery29.com, 21 May 2018
This may come as a surprise to no one, but [stage whispers] National Geographic (along with many other publications) used to be hella, obviously racist.
—Breanna Edwards, The Root, 12 Mar. 2018
Hunt down that secret pizza joint inside the Cosmopolitan that everyone recommends in stage whispers.
—Mark Ellwood, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Oct. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Stage whisper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stage%20whisper. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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