NONSPEAKING Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

nonspeaking

adjective

Definition of nonspeaking

as in wordless

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of nonspeaking Her oldest child is autistic and nonspeaking, and needs significant attention and care, and the baby had been teething and not sleeping well. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026 Adele got a nonspeaking part in the human machine that would gouge the prisoner’s sentence into the officer’s body. — Jonathan Franzen, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 Finally, a shout-out to actor Ryan Cooper, who plays the dead man, for the most part a nonspeaking role. — Gary Thompson, Philly.com, 15 June 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonspeaking

Adjective

Happily, the indie-cinema veterans had the means to produce the series—a lyrical, often wordless portrait of the spiritual seeker as a young woman, soulfully portrayed by Megan Stott.

— Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
That imagery is complemented by persuasive period design elements, and an original score by Hettarher that encompasses some wordless choral passages.

— Dennis Harvey, Variety, 26 July 2026

Definition of wordless

Adjective

The students are challenging those actions in federal court, arguing that FIU's policy – and its application to their silent demonstration – violates their First Amendment rights.

— Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
North Korea remained silent for months about its initial deployment of troops to help Russia’s war machine, only confirming its soldiers were fighting against Ukraine in April 2025.

— Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of silent

Adjective

The formula is closer to reserved + low-energy + emotionally restrained + literal + technocratic + untheatrical + less visionary + less attention-seeking.

— Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Children ages 5 and under may enter for free, but require a reserved ticket.

— Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of reserved

Adjective

Through the cracks in Sepp the tuba player’s monologue, readers may try to catch a glimpse of the taciturn listener stuck in the gondola with him.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026
Also in his orbit are a consortium of crooks, including his cousin Freddie, a hip junkie, and Pepper, a taciturn hoodlum who was friends with Ray’s dad, Big Mike, a legendary thief.

— Niela Orr, Vulture, 20 July 2026

Definition of taciturn

Adjective

Staff being uncommunicative with EMS workers.

— David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 7 June 2026
Just as importantly, His voice was loud and and clear in marshalling a Chelsea back line that has too often appeared quiet and uncommunicative in his absence this season.

— Simon Johnson, New York Times, 16 May 2026

Definition of uncommunicative

Adjective

Gordon is cherub-faced, with low affect, speaks in a laconic and analytic style, and has a wry and elusive smile.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 July 2026
Wry and dry, thoughtful and laconic, Sam fought illness with the same dignity, humour and conviction that gave strength to his every performance.

— Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 13 July 2026

Definition of laconic

Adjective

The current resurgence of tennis necklaces reflects the rise of quiet luxury and a growing appetite for investment purchasing and dressing.

— Pooja Mistry, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Jung provides discreet, ever-changing services for powerful clients, solving problems with meticulous planning and quiet efficiency.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of quiet

Browse Nearby Words

nonsocial

nonspeaking

nonspecific

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Nonspeaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonspeaking. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of nonspeaking

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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