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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
Like, for instance, silent movies aren’t very silent. Jesse Wright, Chicago Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025 Allen and the Bills’ offensive line will often have to operate with a silent snap count, which was not the case at Highmark Stadium. Nate Taylor, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025
Noun
The Meahers, who own much of the land around Africatown, remain conspicuously off-screen and silent. Vulture, 24 Jan. 2023 So the various greenhouses and whatnots were familiar to Martha-content enthusiasts as the vans quickly took us past the beautiful part of her property toward the far less handsome back end, where a near-silent feeding frenzy was underway. Curbed, 25 Apr. 2022 See all Example Sentences for silent 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for silent
Adjective
  • Above that are two volume buttons, and the traditional mute switch is above.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Most are mute of tone, ghostly and compelled by nothing but seeking sustenance.
    William Earl, Variety, 2 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Tickets are $20 for reserved seating, $20 for general admission, $15 for students.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Nestle the cauliflower in the sauce, then sprinkle with the reserved onion, the cilantro, and almonds.
    Joe Yonan, Saveur, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Because his work, as is often the case, leaves us almost speechless.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Jan. 2023
Adjective
  • Ratajkowski has been fighting the stereotype of the dumb model from the beginning of her career.
    Daniel Jackson, Allure, 18 July 2017
  • Ninety nine percent of all NFL players are explicitly not dumb.
    Andy Benoit, The MMQB, 10 July 2017
Adjective
  • After going quiet briefly as emergency responders grappled to contain the multiple fires that destroyed entire neighborhoods and killed at least 27 people, De Laurentiis broke her silence.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Try to snag a room on the third floor for ultimate peace and quiet.
    Ariel Okin, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Following Art’s appearance in Leone’s 2008 short The 9th Circle and the horror anthology All Hallow’s Eve (2013), the clown led the Terrifier trilogy, which has spanned 2016 to 2024.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2025
  • There were also trench coats, sweaters, shorts and shirts made in more conventionally western silhouettes.
    Riddhi Doshi, CNN, 28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Goldman Sachs analyst Eric Sheridan had a more muted view on shares of Netflix.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2025
  • What To Know During his inauguration on January 20, Trump wore his traditional blue suit but swapped the bright red tie for something much more muted.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In this case, the Mechanical Watch Box goes for restrained elegance.
    David Szondy, New Atlas, 22 Jan. 2025
  • But four years later, after the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 had driven the president's approval rating to record highs and fueled a win in the popular vote as well as the Electoral College, the atmosphere was more restrained.
    Ron Elving, NPR, 18 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near silent

Cite this Entry

“Silent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/silent. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on silent

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