silent partner

noun

1
: a partner who is known to the public but has no voice in the conduct of a firm's business
2
: secret partner

Examples of silent partner in a Sentence

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.
Colleges cannot be silent partners in opening doors to prosperity for families. — Literary Hub, 5 Mar. 2026 Whether starting in a garage or exiting through a private equity sale, real estate is the silent partner that can shape the legacy of a business for generations. — Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 6 Sep. 2025 Her brother, who became a silent partner, owned the building, once a vehicle transmission shop, until 2022. — Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 28 Aug. 2025 If pricing, rewards, and underwriting must be redesigned under political pressure, banks prefer to be the decision-maker rather than a silent partner. — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for silent partner

Word History

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of silent partner was in 1818

Rhymes for silent partner

See All Rhymes for silent partner

Browse Nearby Words

silentness
silent partner
silent service
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Silent partner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silent%20partner. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Legal Definition

silent partner

see also:
partner
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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