nonspeaking

adjective

Definition of nonspeakingnext
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
  1. wordless
  2. silent
  3. reserved
  4. mum
  5. taciturn
  6. uncommunicative
  7. laconic
  8. quiet
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
  • Don Henley compares the Eagles’ role there to the organist at a silent movie.
    — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • This was nearly a full day after the latest injury there, and park officials have remained silent about what necessitated the closure.
    — Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of silent
Adjective
  • Guzman Soto was quiet, reserved and religious and regularly attended local church groups and Bible studies, a 32-year-old neighbor who declined to give his name said.
    — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Feliciano sounded the same theme, if in a more reserved tone.
    — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of reserved
Adjective
  • The president was mum, however, on where the PAC would intervene ahead of the midterm elections.
    — Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Georgia’s Department of Economic Development was mum on a Paramount move.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of mum
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
  • Industry sources said Pemsel’s exit has been planned for some time, and that the BFC has already been running a quiet, monthslong search for his successor.
    — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Libra September 23 – October 22 The private thought looping in the background may need a quiet place to land.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of quiet

Browse Nearby Words

nonsocial
nonspeaking
nonspecific
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nonspeaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonspeaking. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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