Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for silence. Search instead for silences.
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.

Even so, drawing in local figures has helped to break the "spiral of silence" some Fidesz-dominated rural communities, where opposition supporters previously felt isolated or reluctant to express their views, Zsiga added.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

I think about the discipline required to bring a body back from silence.

From Slate • Mar. 29, 2026

Pulling her closer, we embrace, her head resting on my chest, and in silence, we breathe our scent and hear the beating of our hearts.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

"There were moments people didn't understand... every step, story and silence in-between brought me to this moment," the Surrey-born rapper said while accepting the award.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

At last we were seated again and silence reigned upstairs.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.