as in dismissal
treatment that is deliberately unfriendly
ever since our run-in at the party she's been giving me the silent treatment
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Recent Examples of silent treatment
In the present, they’re awkwardly reunited for his brother’s destination wedding in Barcelona, following two years of mutual silent treatment.
—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
8 Jan. 2026
Destructive silent treatment creates an imbalanced power dynamic in the relationship.
—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for silent treatment
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
8 Jan. 2026
Destructive silent treatment creates an imbalanced power dynamic in the relationship.
—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for silent treatment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for silent treatment
Noun
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The insensitive promotion was swiftly canceled, leading to the CEO's dismissal, a public apology, and mandatory history training for 24,000 employees.
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But the European Court of Justice dismissal on Thursday marks the end of that process.
Noun
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Executives at firms like Microsoft and Meta have turned a cold shoulder in the last week alone.
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There are screaming matches and cold shoulders.
Noun
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Despite the Reina Sofía’s many refusals to lend the work to various institutions around the world, its rebuff of the Guggenheim’s request carries a particular sting because the Basque Country has long held that the painting belongs in the place where the depicted tragedy occurred.
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The latest rebuff of state overreach was the dismissal last week of the highly questionable felony case against respected Waukegan City Clerk Janet Kilkelly brought by the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Noun
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Using basic academic terminology would place grants at risk of rejection or termination on political grounds.
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That persisted into 2026 amid disagreements over the Russian war on Ukraine, including Meloni’s rejection of a proposal by Britain and France to send European troops there following a possible ceasefire.
Cite this Entry
“Silent treatment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/silent%20treatment. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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