SILENCES Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

silences

verb

present tense third-person singular of silence

as in shushes

to stop the noise or speech of the instructor quickly silenced anyone who tried to interrupt we need to have a repairman come and silence that door alarm

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in suppresses

to put a stop to (something) by the use of force brutally silenced all political dissent in the country

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 silences The government silences critics, shuts down free press and condemns other political parties. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026 The 42mm transducer system pumps out breathtaking dynamic range, while Adaptive Noise Cancellation effortlessly silences noisy dorm halls and busy coffee shops. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 25 Aug. 2026 This fails to mention that partisan gerrymandering silences the voices of the voters in the district who deserve representation, especially voters from underrepresented groups that are disproportionately affected by these efforts. — Reese Ritter, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 Shame shrinks us and silences our stories. — Carolyn O'Laughlin, CNN Money, 28 June 2026 An immersive spa day, from signature massages to holistic sessions, silences the noise. — Judith Garrison, AJC.com, 9 June 2026 That America kills children abroad and silences criticism at home. — Bobby Ghosh, Time, 27 May 2026 Preclinical research shows long-term estrogen deprivation epigenetically silences BDNF in the hippocampus, blunting the brain’s response to exercise over time. — Torie Bosch, STAT, 2 May 2026 Allison’s chilling prophecy about Kyle silences the table, quickly shifting the mood. — Literary Hub, 24 Feb. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for silences

Verb

Before the chatter can continue, Sharon Leone (Diane Farr), the Cal Fire Division Chief and mother of Bode Leone (Max Thieriot), quickly shushes everyone and reminds them to focus.

— Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 21 May 2026

Definition of shushes

Verb

Its Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation effectively suppresses low-frequency drone and office chatter, while custom 40mm drivers deliver rich, balanced sound reinforced by Ultra Bass technology.

— Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2026
Ambiguity suppresses adoption more effectively than skepticism.

— Pankaj Prasoon, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of suppresses

Verb

The boom automatically mutes the microphone when lifted and can answer incoming calls simply by being lowered.

— Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Using a vegetable peeler, shave a modest amount of Parmesan onto a plate (a mound of grated Parmesan may look impressive, but all that clumpy cheese mutes the dressing).

— Sue Li, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 June 2026

Definition of mutes

Verb

Powered by chemical agents, this provides apt UV protection while hyaluronic acid improves hydration levels, niacinamide quells inflammation, and allantoin keeps skin soothed.

— Kiana Murden, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2026
Newsom has not said if the newer version of the bill quells this concern.

— Evelyn Ronan, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026

Definition of quells

Verb

Their Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation effectively quiets daily transit hums and crowded office chatter, while custom 40mm drivers pump out rich acoustics backed by customizable Ultra Bass tuning.

— Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2026
Boos or not, the new GM has to decide on the best course of action for the present and future of the franchise, not just the one that quiets things down the quickest.

— Max Bultman, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of quiets

Verb

In person, Huang subdues his ironic braggadocio with polite eye contact and rolling belly laughs at his own jokes.

— Mariella Rudi, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
El Nino also subdues the hurricane season in the Atlantic because there is so much heat in the Pacific that outcompetes the Atlantic, Berardelli added.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 May 2026

Definition of subdues

Verb

Typically, bees stop laying eggs during the winter, or at least slow down activity, which represses mite activity.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2026
The portrait of a woman who represses and conceals a rape struck a chord as the #MeToo movement took off and put Trobisch on the map.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2026

Definition of represses

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“Silences.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/silences. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of silences

verb

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