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
  • These wordless vocalizations that feel both sacred and profane, beautiful and terrifying.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2026
  • This superb wordless sequence — the set designer is Beowulf Boritt; the movement director is Lorenzo Pisoni, the lights are by Allen Lee Hughes — reassures us that a show about a guy in a chair will move like a hummingbird.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of wordless
Adjective
  • On the whole, the average person generally prefers CEOs to stay silent on divisive political issues, the study found.
    — Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Proponents tout thousands of short-term construction jobs while remaining completely silent on long-term traffic, property value, and localized economic and environmental impact studies.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of silent
Adjective
  • Transfer to bowl with reserved dressing and toss to coat evenly.
    — Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The figure most responsible for this was Robert Katzman, a reserved, soft-spoken neurologist who chaired the department at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, in the Bronx.
    — Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of reserved
Adjective
  • The Kremlin has also been mum about the ceasefire, with Putin's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov saying the diesel deal and a broader peace agreement were on separate tracks.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Moreno is mum about what transpired at the reunion, which airs on Monday, August 31, but says that Dean approached her in the hallway to clear the air.
    — Paula Mejía, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of mum
Adjective
  • Hedge-fund-rich Sang-woo has an air of cool privilege, while the gloomy, taciturn Ho-seok harbors unprocessed trauma about what happened during the strike, the details of which are judiciously doled out to us in flashbacks.
    — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • While uptight Elinor excels at hiding her feelings for the similarly taciturn Edward, Marianne goes wild (nearly feral, really) when new neighbor Willoughby saves her from physical injury (literally sweeping her off her feet and a wincing ankle).
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 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
  • In the early days, at his own shop, he had been known for his laconic style of selling.
    — Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of laconic
Adjective
  • Fresh off a max contract extension, Reaves has had a quiet yet ruthlessly efficient start to the year in Doncic’s shadow.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2026
  • And at a time of national reflection, Kate’s wardrobe offered its own quiet tribute to those who came before her.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 8 Nov. 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 10 Nov. 2026.

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