1
as in speechless
deliberately refraining from speech
the suddenly silent child had to be prompted to say hello
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Related Words
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
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
Christopher Urban, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025
In some cases, staying silent can feel like the key to survival.
—Craig Crisler, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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
In the middle of the otherwise silent and empty yard was a large Christmas tree, colorfully decorated and lit up with bright lights.
—Christopher Urban, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025
In some cases, staying silent can feel like the key to survival.
—Craig Crisler, Forbes.com, 16 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
-
Tickets are $125 per person and include Turf Club admission, a reserved table seat, two appetizers, two drink tickets (for premium cocktails, wine or beer), and chips and guacamole for the table.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 July 2025
-
By the end, Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece had spent five minutes of the county's weekly public meeting demanding answers as to why a construction worker had prevented her from parking in her reserved spot, marked with a cone.—
Scott Wartman,
The Enquirer,
2 July 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
-
Sure, Texas has plenty of sleepy towns, dusty ranchland and quiet downtowns that rarely see a crowd.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
22 July 2025
-
This gives players a chance to play out some tender, quiet scenes in between the blades and the blood. iHunt Oftentimes, demon hunters are part of secretive organizations or bloodlines with thousand year histories.—
Rob Wieland,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
Noun
-
The collection will include men’s and women’s apparel and headwear, including swimwear, board shorts, volleys, fleeces, Ts, hats among other items.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
15 July 2025
-
Riot wore a custom toddler's version of one of Anderson's ensembles that featured a green single-breasted jacket, a white shirt with a matching bow tie and flared white shorts.—
Michelle Lee,
People.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Please check back again soon for the recorded video. LIVE VIDEO TO BEGIN AFTER AD Loaded: 0% Progress: 0% Use up and down arrows to change volume, and spacebar or enter to toggle mute.—
Julian Chokkattu,
Wired News,
18 July 2025
-
But [the character, who is mute] doesn't have to talk!—
Jordan Hoffman Updated,
EW.com,
10 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
Cite this Entry
“Silent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/silent. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share