silent 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsī-lənt How to pronounce silent (audio)
Definition of silentnext
1
as in speechless
deliberately refraining from speech the suddenly silent child had to be prompted to say hello

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

silent

2 of 2

noun

as in talkie

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word silent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of silent are reserved, reticent, secretive, and taciturn. While all these words mean "showing restraint in speaking," silent implies a habit of saying no more than is needed.

the strong, silent type

Where would reserved be a reasonable alternative to silent?

Although the words reserved and silent have much in common, reserved implies reticence and suggests the restraining influence of caution or formality in checking easy informal conversational exchange.

greetings were brief, formal, and reserved

When is reticent a more appropriate choice than silent?

The words reticent and silent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, reticent implies a reluctance to speak out or at length, especially about one's own affairs.

was reticent about his plans

When might secretive be a better fit than silent?

In some situations, the words secretive and silent are roughly equivalent. However, secretive, too, implies reticence but usually carries a suggestion of deviousness and lack of frankness or of an often ostentatious will to conceal.

the secretive research and development division

When can taciturn be used instead of silent?

The words taciturn and silent can be used in similar contexts, but taciturn implies a temperamental disinclination to speech and usually connotes unsociability.

taciturn villagers

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
Adjective
The flags are saved for periodic retirement ceremonies that involve reciting a script, standing at attention, a moment of silent reflection, and the subsequent burning. — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 3 July 2026 After working for other bad guys over the years, the Minions (all voiced by Coffin) accidentally end up in Hollywood in the 1920s as Tinseltown is in its silent movie heyday. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
The Meahers, who own much of the land around Africatown, remain conspicuously off-screen and silent. — Vulture, 24 Jan. 2023 The film, the last in Stroheim’s history-making ten-year run of silents, has become one of cinema’s most famous unfinished works, seen—when seen at all—in rival incomplete versions. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for silent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for silent
  1. mute
  2. reserved
  3. quiet
  4. short
  5. speechless
  6. restrained
  7. hushed
  8. feature
Adjective
  • The only person who knows Diego’s secret is Bernardo (Salvatore Ficarra), his mute manservant.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2026
  • Prior to being cast as Aang, Cormier received acclaim for his performance as mute child Joe in the TV miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s The Stand in 2020.
    — Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 27 June 2026
Definition of mute
Adjective
  • An opportunity to benefit from FIFA’s litigious inconsistencies, which usually feel reserved for the A-list stars.
    — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 7 July 2026
  • The American Express Platinum Card® comes with access to Amex Experiences, which gets you special access to presale, reserved and preferred tickets.
    — Ryley Amond, CNBC, 7 July 2026
Definition of reserved
Adjective
  • What was once a quiet corner of the terminal – your reward for loyalty or a hefty annual fee – has turned into a cafeteria for the masses.
    — Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Rather than succumb to the misery of its subject matter, Union County is about the quiet, tedious, and remarkable work that is getting and staying sober — the final product a testament to all that can be achieved.
    — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 1 July 2026
Definition of quiet
Noun
  • Yet his recent short against the company also builds on his broader belief that the market is in an AI bubble.
    — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 2 July 2026
  • Fitch is expanding his short In Exile into a feature-length documentary.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 24 June 2026
Definition of short
Adjective
  • His friends, from brother Luigi (Charlie Day) to Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) veer in a similar direction, somehow coming across less fully formed and three-dimensional than their nearly speechless inspirations from Nintendo‘s flagship franchise.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 31 Mar. 2026
  • 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
Definition of speechless
Adjective
  • Ossant describes the collection as combining sensual tailoring with fluid proportions and restrained transparency, creating an understated confidence that has become synonymous with Vaccarello's creative direction.
    — Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • The joyous if relatively restrained gathering was the culmination of the riotous nationwide celebrations that had broken out on the evening of April 12, when the results of the parliamentary elections came in.
    — Gordon F. Sander, The New York Review of Books, 4 July 2026
Definition of restrained
Adjective
  • But sometimes, hushed moments become the score’s most powerful statement.
    — Vanessa Ague, Pitchfork, 26 June 2026
  • Not a hushed and reverent scene at all, lively and fun.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 June 2026
Definition of hushed
Noun
  • The SuperWide feature makes the sound feel bigger, wider, and more expansive.
    — Joe Salas July 07, New Atlas, 8 July 2026
  • Some time at the spa is also a must, where a natural water feature travels from an outdoor waterfall through the length of the spa.
    — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Definition of feature

Phrases Containing silent

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Cite this Entry

“Silent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/silent. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on silent

Nglish: Translation of silent for Spanish Speakers

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