Synonyms of silent

silent 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsī-lənt 

1

as in speechless

deliberately refraining from speech

the suddenly silent child had to be prompted to say hello

Synonyms & Similar Words

• speechless
• wordless
• mute
• muted
• mum
• uncommunicative
• inarticulate
• voiceless
• sullen
• dumbstruck
• sulky
• tongue-tied
• nonvocal
• sulking

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• speaking
• communicative
• eloquent
• talking
• articulate
• voluble
• vocal
• fluent
• talkative
• well-spoken
• outspoken
• loquacious
• garrulous
• talky
• unreserved
• glib
• gabby
• facile
• smooth-tongued
• silver-tongued

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

• reserved
• restrained
• taciturn
• laconic
• reticent
• uncommunicative
• tight-lipped
• dumb
• aloof
• closemouthed
• backward
• modest
• introverted
• inhibited
• retiring
• indrawn
• bashful
• staid
• sober
• sedate
• sheepish
• diffident
• coy
• demure
• self-contained
• self-effacing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• vocal
• talkative
• communicative
• conversational
• outspoken
• loquacious
• garrulous
• chatty
• unreserved
• talky
• gabby
• mouthy
• blabby
• gossipy
• diffuse
• verbose
• motormouthed
• free-spoken
• wordy
• windy
• rambling
• prolix
• outgoing
• gregarious
• sociable
• extroverted
• talebearing
• long-winded

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

• quieted
• quiet
• hushed
• noiseless
• soundless
• calm
• still
• serene
• muted
• peaceful
• tranquil
• stilly
• peaceable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• noisy
• unquiet
• uproarious
• rackety
• boisterous
• raucous
• clamorous
• tumultuous
• roaring
• roistering
• clangorous
• clattering
• clattery
• rip-roaring

silent

2 of 2

noun

as in talkie

Related Words

• talkie
• short
• feature
• documentary
• animated cartoon
• short subject
• cartoon
• motion picture
• docudrama
• film
• movie
• featurette
• moving picture
• flicker
• B picture
• flick
• B movie
• cofeature
• picture

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

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

Recent Examples of silent

Adjective

The last transit, 1916–1929, coincided with the rise of Hollywood and the birth of celebrity culture, as silent films turned actors into global icons. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026

Instead of mingling as usual, the Western chimps fell silent and fled. —Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Apr. 2026

Noun

Meanwhile the Sierra Madre Playhouse, built for the silents, has become the L.A. area’s newest performing arts center, where Wild Up will be in residence. —Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024

Boles started his Hollywood career in the silents, but became a big star in the talkies. —Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 5 Nov. 2024

Phrases Containing silent

• silent treatment