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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word silent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of silent are reserved, reticent, secretive, and taciturn. While all these words mean "showing restraint in speaking," silent implies a habit of saying no more than is needed.

the strong, silent type

Where would reserved be a reasonable alternative to silent?

Although the words reserved and silent have much in common, reserved implies reticence and suggests the restraining influence of caution or formality in checking easy informal conversational exchange.

greetings were brief, formal, and reserved

When is reticent a more appropriate choice than silent?

The words reticent and silent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, reticent implies a reluctance to speak out or at length, especially about one's own affairs.

was reticent about his plans

When might secretive be a better fit than silent?

In some situations, the words secretive and silent are roughly equivalent. However, secretive, too, implies reticence but usually carries a suggestion of deviousness and lack of frankness or of an often ostentatious will to conceal.

the secretive research and development division

When can taciturn be used instead of silent?

The words taciturn and silent can be used in similar contexts, but taciturn implies a temperamental disinclination to speech and usually connotes unsociability.

taciturn villagers

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 silent
Adjective
The Meahers, who own much of the land around Africatown, remain conspicuously off-screen and silent. Vulture, 24 Jan. 2023 So the various greenhouses and whatnots were familiar to Martha-content enthusiasts as the vans quickly took us past the beautiful part of her property toward the far less handsome back end, where a near-silent feeding frenzy was underway. Curbed, 25 Apr. 2022
Noun
That's not to say that there aren't sticklers for the old way of doing things: leaving your phone at home or in the car, tucking it in your purse or pocket, turning it off, and at the very least, putting it on silent or vibrate mode. Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 3 July 2025 The best chance to oppose the bill or to soften its blow, Searle said, came and went months ago, when university presidents chose to remain silent. Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for silent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for silent
Adjective
  • In helicopter video taken by Air Maui Helicopter Tours in Lahaina and posted online the people aboard are largely speechless.
    Phil Helsel, NBC News, 10 Aug. 2023
  • Because his work, as is often the case, leaves us almost speechless.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Jan. 2023
Adjective
  • Tillman, who is generally more reserved than spotlight-chasing players in his role, strode up and shanked his attempt off the post to his left, perhaps hampered by the foul on his plant leg.
    Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 30 June 2025
  • The reserved Federal lands and interests in lands encompass approximately 0.12 acres.
    Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • While future films would be tighter and more purposeful, none would make room for a beautiful detour like Dignan and Anthony holed up at a motel, where Anthony nurses a wordless bond with a Spanish-speaking maid.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 7 June 2025
  • One afternoon before his terminal diagnosis, the adult Chuck takes a stroll and spontaneously dazzles a crowd with a dance number done in wordless alliance with two strangers, a lovelorn book clerk (Annalise Basso) and a street drummer (Taylor Gordon).
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • These moves have prompted concern among segments of Trump's base supportive of a restrained international role, raising questions about the administration's direction ahead of a crucial 2026 midterm election cycle.
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
  • As Rick, Goggins got to show longtime fans and incoming members of his fan club a rarer side of the actor: quiet, restrained, in deep amounts of unspoken pain.
    Josh Wigler, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Pulse Picks Yes, the MLB trade deadline could be quiet … but there are some big names that could move, too.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 9 July 2025
  • Once a quiet fishing village, Nazaré, Portugal, is home to some of the world's largest rideable waves, reaching up to 100 feet.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Highlights include this wrap-tie shirtdress that has a relaxed fit and can be worn year-round, these gingham smocked shorts with an elastic waistband for comfort, and this Land’s End tank top that is ideal for layering or wearing solo.
    Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 5 July 2025
  • Core retail pricing: 65 pounds (t-shirts) to 95 pounds (shorts) Visit Category: Baseball caps Showing at: Welcome Edition Story: Visit is the new baby out of the stable of French textile firm Groupe JAJ, the European licensee for Schott.
    Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • This headset ticks every box with great sound, comfortable over-ear cans, and a noise-isolating mic for group chat, with easy mute controls on the cable.
    Simon Hill Adrienne So, Wired News, 6 July 2025
  • In time, a healthier Dodgers pitching staff could render such mistakes mute.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • After sharing a meal together, Stahelski, who’s now helmed four chapters involving Keanu Reeves’ taciturn assassin, quickly endorsed Wiseman’s hiring to Lionsgate and producing partner, Thunder Road.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 6 June 2025
  • And Katie, a taciturn woman in her 30s who has run away from her former life following a humiliating breakup, is played with sharp-eyed wariness and a fiery edge by Kate Rose Reynolds.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Silent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/silent. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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