silence 1 of 2

noun

ˈsī-lən(t)s How to pronounce silence (audio)
Definition of silencenext
1
as in stillness
incapacity for or restraint from speaking the violinist expects complete silence from the audience during his concerts

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2
as in quiet
the near or complete absence of sound the silence of the garden was refreshing after the din of the party inside

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3
as in obscurity
the quality or state of being mostly or completely unknown the book eventually vanished into the silence that awaits best sellers whose time has past

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silence

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to quiet
to stop the noise or speech of the instructor quickly silenced anyone who tried to interrupt we need to have a repairman come and silence that door alarm

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2
as in to suppress
to put a stop to (something) by the use of force brutally silenced all political dissent in the country

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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 silence
Noun
That silence has real consequences for patients like me who don't realize their everyday pain could be treated. — Anonymous, Allure, 23 July 2026 That silence sends a louder message than anything on your wall. — Monte Wyatt, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Verb
This fails to mention that partisan gerrymandering silences the voices of the voters in the district who deserve representation, especially voters from underrepresented groups that are disproportionately affected by these efforts. — Reese Ritter, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 Amusing, yes, but this is also an act of silencing, maybe even passive-aggressive violence. — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for silence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for silence
  1. stillness
  2. quiet
  3. obscurity
  4. shush
  5. suppress
  6. speechlessness
  7. quietness
  8. oblivion
Noun
  • This strategic move allows MICRO to introduce its philosophy of movement, recovery, and stillness, challenging the wellness industry's optimization focus, to an affluent international audience in a luxurious setting.
    — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • However, as the mines depleted and resources shifted, the town was gradually abandoned, leaving behind an eerie stillness.
    — Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 27 July 2026
Definition of stillness
Noun
  • On Saturday afternoon, as tournament leaders played in the quiet of a clearing course and a low-slung sun, train whistles from the Long Island Railroad echoed clear across the land, offering reminders for the few who remained that their ride was leaving.
    — Brendan Quinn, New York Times, 21 June 2026
  • Wow that the quiet of Sunday surfaces feelings the rest of the week buries.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026
Definition of quiet
Noun
  • Shares jumped over 500%, as investors clamored for a piece of a firm that has risen from obscurity to compete with rivals such as Samsung and Micron at home amid an AI-induced demand boom.
    — Yue Wang, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • For more than two decades, its streets and structures were preserved in underwater silence, only emerging from obscurity in the early 2000s, when the waters surrounding it began to recede.
    — Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 27 July 2026
Definition of obscurity
Verb
  • His interactions with Daemon (Matt Smith) last season, going so far as to shush him at one point, were a breath of fresh air.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • As the moment unfolded, Savannah shushed the future king and even briefly placed her hand over his mouth in an effort to keep him composed.
    — Staff Author, InStyle, 13 June 2026
Definition of shush
Verb
  • Jokes about Modi were rare during earlier protests, when his government was criticized for suppressing dissent.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
  • The idea is to enable riders to accelerate earlier and utilize more of the motorcycle’s capabilities when traction gets erratic rather than just suppressing wheelspin.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 July 2026
Definition of suppress
Noun
  • Both men regularly bash Trump during their monologues, but the president’s tirade against the Pope left them puzzled to the point of near-speechlessness.
    — Zack Sharf, Variety, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Both brothers were intellectually precocious, but Scott could be shy to the point of speechlessness.
    — Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
Definition of speechlessness
Noun
  • These motors make a difference in efficiency and quietness levels.
    — Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 19 July 2026
  • To come up with its study, the company looked at different factors that equate to quietness, including monthly search volume, visitor ratings, average summer temperatures, access to nearby restaurants and bars, and availability of accommodations.
    — Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 9 June 2026
Definition of quietness
Noun
  • The man affectionately known as ‘The Messiah’ led this club and its people from mediocrity and potential oblivion to (almost) the very top and to fantasy.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • There’s something endearing about one of the world’s most prestigious motorcycle makers almost disappearing into oblivion and making a full-fledged resurgence with a fresh approach.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 July 2026
Definition of oblivion

Browse Nearby Words

silages
silence
silenced
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Cite this Entry

“Silence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/silence. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of silence for Spanish Speakers

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