unspoken

adjective

un·​spo·​ken ˌən-ˈspō-kən 

: not spoken : expressed or understood without being directly stated

an unspoken agreement/assumption

an unspoken rule

Phrases

unspoken to

: not spoken to

… she had sat the whole evening through in the same chair without occupation, not speaking, and unspoken to.

—Anthony Trollope

Synonyms

• tacit
• implied
• implicit

Examples of unspoken in a Sentence

an unspoken promise to remain faithful to one another

Recent Examples on the Web

Listen Deeply Listening deeply, beyond selling, uncovers unspoken needs. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

The heart of the story involves a romantic epiphany that’s also an unspoken recognition of homosexual desire; Michèle’s matchmaking scheme is a vicarious replacement for something that’s doomed to go unfulfilled. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2025

That unspoken bond is precious, and what binds a lot of community together. —Daniel D'addario, Variety, 9 Sep. 2025

While that's ok to do, there are some unspoken etiquette rules to follow. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unspoken

• awoken
• betoken
• heartbroken
• outspoken
• unbroken
• broken
• oaken
• spoken
• token
• woken