silent treatment

NOUN

ignoring of another

Synonyms

WEAK

blackballing cold shoulder ignore someone ignoring ostracism ostracization sending to Coventry

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.

‘He thinks nothing of spending $40K on a new car’: My husband gives me the silent treatment.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 9, 2025

He did not want to speak after Saturday's round, but he did and in so doing broke his silent treatment of the media.

From BBC • Jun. 16, 2025

PSG supporters kept protesting at Parc des Princes by giving their team the silent treatment.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 28, 2024

As his teammates continued to give him the silent treatment, Ohtani raised his arms and waved them.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2024

“By not giving me the silent treatment anymore,” she says, leaning over to pet Boomer, who is nudging her thigh with his wet nose.

From "How to Disappear Completely" by Ali Standish