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Definitions

silence

[sahy-luhns] / ˈsaɪ ləns /
NOUN
absence of sound, speech
Synonyms
STRONGEST
blackout calm lull peace quiet reticence secrecy stillness
STRONG
censorship death dumbness hush laconism muteness noiselessness quiescence quietness quietude reserve sleep speechlessness still sulk sullenness taciturnity uncommunicativeness
WEAK
dead air hush-hush inarticulateness iron curtain saturninity
Antonyms
STRONGEST
agitation
WEAK
clamor communication noise talk
VERB
make or be quiet
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cut off gag muffle mute muzzle quash quell squelch stifle subdue suppress
STRONG
clam dampen deaden dull extinguish hush lull overawe quiet quieten shush soft pedal still tongue-tie
WEAK
choke off clam up close up cool it cut short decrease the volume dry up dumb dummy up hold one's tongue hush one's mouth hush-hush keep it down pipe down quiet down say nothing shut up sit on strike dumb
Antonyms
STRONGEST
allow encourage help let go permit release start
WEAK
be noisy communicate talk

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“This verdict exposes a culture of retaliation designed to silence officers who report misconduct, and it sends a powerful message that those who abuse authority will be held accountable,” McNicholas said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

DeepSeek launched preview versions of its long-awaited V4 model, breaking months of silence from one of China’s most closely watched AI labs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

During the raids, many Los Angeles teams, including the Dodgers and the Galaxy, were criticized for their silence, despite having a large Latino fan base.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

One keeps memories alive through speaking about the person; the other preserves it through silence - but both are now trying to build lives around what is no longer there.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

Squirrels skitter at each other outside the open window, and squeals of “You’re it!” from kids visiting with their parents swallow the silence.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

Vocabulary lists containing silence

myPerspectives 7.2

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Purple Hibiscus

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"Nadia the Willful"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!