wordless

adjective

word·​less ˈwərd-ləs 

1

: not expressed in or accompanied by words

a wordless picture book

2

: silent, speechless

sat wordless throughout the meeting

wordlessly adverb

wordlessness noun

Synonyms of wordless

• silent
• speechless
• mute
• muted

Examples of wordless in a Sentence

he stood wordless before his accusers

a wordless fondness for each other

Recent Examples on the Web

Khaby Lame, a Senegalese-Italian influencer with more than 160 million TikTok followers, became an international sensation for his wordless reactions mocking overly complex viral videos. —J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 4 Feb. 2026

Aquilla Sadalla’s wordless vocals, a gorgeous swell of howls and heaves, complement the arrangement without becoming the focal point. —Mark Richardson, Pitchfork, 3 Feb. 2026

The wordless format works across cultures without translation, which explains his massive international appeal. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 29 Jan. 2026

Ho Jin walks in at that moment, and there’s a whole tearful reunion, if understated and wordless. —Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

wordless

adjective

word·​less ˈwərd-ləs 

1

: not expressed in or having words

a wordless picture book

2

: silent sense 1, speechless

sat wordless throughout the meeting

wordlessly adverb

wordlessness noun