wordless

adjective

word·​less ˈwərd-ləs How to pronounce wordless (audio)
Synonyms of wordlessnext
1
: not expressed in or accompanied by words
a wordless picture book
2
: silent, speechless
sat wordless throughout the meeting
wordlessly adverb
wordlessness noun

Synonyms of wordless

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Examples of wordless in a Sentence

he stood wordless before his accusers a wordless fondness for each other
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.
This superb wordless sequence — the set designer is Beowulf Boritt; the movement director is Lorenzo Pisoni, the lights are by Allen Lee Hughes — reassures us that a show about a guy in a chair will move like a hummingbird. — New York Times, 23 Oct. 2026 Four people in a room, playing together, cameras catching all of their wordless communication, their concentration and their intensity in full focus. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026 Lee’s wordless metaphors urge us to consider something at the margins of language, logic, and experience. — Barry Schwabsky, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026 He was particularly inspired by the centerpiece scene, a wordless sequence that runs for more than 15 minutes and transforms the film in mood and narrative. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wordless

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wordless was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

wordle
wordless
word-lore
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wordless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wordless. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

wordless

adjective
word·​less ˈwərd-ləs How to pronounce wordless (audio)
1
: not expressed in or having words
a wordless picture book
2
: silent sense 1, speechless
sat wordless throughout the meeting
wordlessly adverb
wordlessness noun
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