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Definition of silentnext
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silent

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noun

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
Ranging from the film pioneer Georges Méliès all the way through 2024’s Anora, Thomson’s survey covers silent pictures, the talkies, the studio era, the New Hollywood, and the age of streaming. Michael O’Donnell, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026 The great speculators became talkative and communicative or dull, sullen, silent, and peevish. Owen Lamont, Fortune, 2 July 2026
Noun
From there, the offense went radio silent. Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2025 Boles started his Hollywood career in the silents, but became a big star in the talkies. Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 5 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for silent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for silent
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
Adjective
  • Serena’s name was on everyone’s lips, with fans chatting about the American’s chances and journalists jostling for position to get their hands on a reserved media seat.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • The canopy area featured reserved seating that was blocked off with more seats for fans to sit and watch the game in the shade.
    Cal Phillips June 30, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2026
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
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
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
Adjective
  • Since joining the winery, Melton has brought a restrained, classical sensibility to wines known for an ability to age.
    Jill Barth, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • The world press was less restrained; the Post, the Daily Mail, the Hindustan Times, and many others ran screaming headlines, accompanied by photographs of the climbers purloined from social media.
    William Finnegan, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
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
Noun
  • The company is selling highly customizable electric vehicles that come with few standard features, but plenty of optional add-ons.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Stars from Rowling's Harry Potter feature films have also criticized her stances, including Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 30 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Silent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/silent. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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