unspoken

adjective

un·​spo·​ken ˌən-ˈspō-kən 

: not spoken : expressed or understood without being directly stated

an unspoken agreement/assumption

an unspoken rule

Phrases

unspoken to

: not spoken to

… she had sat the whole evening through in the same chair without occupation, not speaking, and unspoken to.

—Anthony Trollope

Synonyms

• implicit
• implied
• tacit
• unexpressed
• unvoiced
• wordless

Examples of unspoken in a Sentence

an unspoken promise to remain faithful to one another

Recent Examples on the Web

Polarizing and taboo-loving, Scorpio isn’t afraid to confront and explore the shadowy attributes and unspoken realms of their relationships. —Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 18 May 2024

By Jessica Puckett April 20, 2023 Booking your first cruise can feel like a big step: There are dress codes and other unspoken etiquette rules to consider, plus figuring out how to travel at a different pace. —Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Apr. 2023

Over the last two seasons, Pen and Colin have had an unspoken intimacy from being friends, and Penelope’s longtime crush on him. —Christy Piña, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 May 2024

You’re doomed to be disappointed if your unspoken expectations involve maintaining an unrealistic level of control. —Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 11 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing unspoken

• unspoken to