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 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
  • 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
  • But in his shock at the strength of this wordless feeling, all that Will could do was point at the grassy hill that rose behind them.
    — Emily Ruskovich, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026
Definition of wordless
Adjective
  • For a moment, the world was still and silent, save for a flock of birds flying low over the water.
    — Annissa Durar, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Aug. 2026
  • After his father’s death, strong and silent Mauro hires a farm hand to work alongside him.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of silent
Adjective
  • Add a generous, heaping spoonful of the zucchini ragu (about 1/2 cup) to the pan along with a splash of the reserved pasta water.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Whisk together milk and reserved pineapple juices in a medium bowl until combined.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of reserved
Adjective
  • Washington — The Federal Reserve has remained mum about interest rates as inflation concerns have heightened, leading to confusion about the state of the US economy.
    — Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
  • Samsung is still mum on the details of total brightness in this new line of devices.
    — Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 26 July 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
  • Meanwhile, Mercury in your private 12th house sextiles Venus in your 2nd House of Resources, supporting quiet decisions around money, self-worth, and peace.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Mauro Mueller’s film is a quiet, poignant drama about loss, memory and the power of human closeness.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 13 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 18 Aug. 2026.

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