keep quiet

idiom

: to not say anything or make any noise

He thought about telling the police what he knew, but he decided to keep quiet.

Please keep quiet during the movie.

: to not say anything about (something)

She kept her plans quiet.

: to prevent (someone or something) from making noise

She gave the dog a bone to keep him quiet.

: to prevent (someone) from revealing information about something

They paid money to the witness to keep him quiet.

Examples of keep quiet 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.

In the morning, Danni decides to keep quiet about the kiss. —

Emma Soren, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024 When her coach falls under investigation and is suddenly suspended, all of the club’s players are encouraged to speak up—but Julie decides to keep quiet. —

Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 12 Sep. 2024 Goats and Soda Afghan women sing to protest a law that orders them to keep quiet But most refugee parents might not know or understand similar reactions in their children, says Betancourt. —

Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR, 15 Sep. 2024 The police refuse to investigate and her own family would like her to keep quiet. —

Marta Balaga, Variety, 1 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for keep quiet