1
as in speechless
deliberately refraining from speech
the suddenly silent child had to be prompted to say hello
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in reserved
tending not to speak frequently (as by habit or inclination)
a naturally silent boy, he was often overshadowed by his louder siblings
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in quieted
mostly or entirely without sound
the room was so silent that you could have heard the proverbial pin drop
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in talkie
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of silent
Elise Hammond, CNN Money, 23 Jan. 2026
To remain silent is to condone blood on the streets, to condone the execution of artists, the silencing of women, the theft of childhoods and the erasure of human dignity.
—Maryam Lieberman, HollywoodReporter, 23 Jan. 2026
Louis Menand, The New Yorker, 13 Nov. 2023
As American filmmaking was transitioning from silents to sound in the late 1920s, the industry itself was growing more conservative.
—Hazlitt, 6 Sep. 2023
See All Example Sentences for silent
Adjective
The Dakota and other Indigenous peoples in Minneapolis have not been silent about the ICE actions in the city.
—Elise Hammond, CNN Money, 23 Jan. 2026
To remain silent is to condone blood on the streets, to condone the execution of artists, the silencing of women, the theft of childhoods and the erasure of human dignity.
—Maryam Lieberman, HollywoodReporter, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
Chaplin’s run of silents continued into the talkie era.
—Louis Menand, The New Yorker, 13 Nov. 2023
As American filmmaking was transitioning from silents to sound in the late 1920s, the industry itself was growing more conservative.
—Hazlitt, 6 Sep. 2023
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
-
Three-day general admission passes start at $549; general admission and shuttle combo packages start at $669; Rhinestone Saloon admission passes start at $974; Corral reserved seating starts at $1,199; Corral standing pit access starts at $1,899.—
Holly Alvarado,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Jan. 2026
-
The Grammy shine for Harry’s House overshadowed the reality that the music was growing cozy and reserved.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Her perceptive lensing is especially poignant across wordless scenes where the two girls romance their teacher through longing gazes.—
Tomris Laffly,
Variety,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Thompson liked the idea of a wordless ending, expressing feelings through looks alone.—
Yohana Desta,
Rolling Stone,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
However, the impact of losing her great love in a 1990 racing accident translated into a sober and restrained closet.—
Marta Martínez Tato,
Vanity Fair,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Grapes here develop with higher acidity and lower sugar levels, which leads to wines that feel more restrained and layered.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Below are five actions that may seem quiet but can significantly increase your chances of promotion in the first quarter, along with how to put them into practice.—
Sho Dewan,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The cold, quiet pattern continues Tuesday in Minnesota.—
Joseph Dames,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Sundresses, shorts, and short sleeves are ideal for scorching days, but might make a low temperature indoors a bit more uncomfortable.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Inspired by a true story, the short follows Sasha Skochilenko, a Russian artist who was arrested and sentenced to seven years for replacing four price tags in a grocery store with anti-war messages about the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The gain knob feels a little loose and imprecise, making fine adjustments a little fiddly, and the physical mute button produces an audible click if pressed while recording.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Being forced to put modern life on mute was, in its own way, radical, though our meetings were tremor-free.—
Walden Green,
Pitchfork,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Her clients can be taciturn and slow to impart trust.—
Dan Piepenbring,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
-
During talks, Putin was always taciturn, and Zelenskyy tried to establish a rapport.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
28 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Silent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/silent. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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