quietude

noun

qui·​etude ˈkwī-ə-ˌtüd How to pronounce quietude (audio)
-ˌtyüd
Synonyms of quietudenext
: a quiet state : repose

Synonyms of quietude

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Examples of quietude in a Sentence

after his tantrum, the toddler lapsed into an exhausted quietude and fell asleep the quietude of the early morning was broken only by the occasional chirping of birds
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
And its quietude is an effect of its constancy as a measure of value. — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026 Rather than nightlife, visitors come seeking quietude. — Lisa Kadane, Travel + Leisure, 1 May 2026 In the eeriness of quietude and gossamer sound, Atkinson invites us to stew, and then break free. — Vanessa Ague, Pitchfork, 26 June 2026 In return, the actor advised Norris that on-screen, quietude equals power. — Chris Klimek, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for quietude

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French, borrowed from Medieval Latin quiētūdō, from Latin quiētus quiet entry 2 + -tūdō, suffix of abstract nouns

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of quietude was in 1597

Rhymes for quietude

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Browse Nearby Words

quiet-spoken
quietude
quietus
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Cite this Entry

“Quietude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quietude. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

quietude

noun
qui·​etude ˈkwī-ə-ˌt(y)üd How to pronounce quietude (audio)
: the state of being quiet : tranquillity

More from Merriam-Webster on quietude

Nglish: Translation of quietude for Spanish Speakers

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