not silently

Meanings

1. 1adverb

   In a way that makes a sound or is openly expressed, rather than quietly or without any sound.

   Grammar: Works as an adverb of manner; it usually follows the verb or comes after a comma at the end of a clause, and it often contrasts with what was expected.

   Patterns

   • do something not silently
   • say something not silently
   • not silently, but ...

   When the verdict was read, the crowd reacted not silently but with loud cheers.

   She disagreed with the plan, though not silently — everyone in the room heard her objection.

   The door closed not silently, but with a sharp bang that woke the baby.

2. 2adverbformal

   In a way that is written down or made public rather than kept private and unspoken.

   Grammar: Used mainly in formal or written contexts to stress that something is expressed openly, often before verbs like protest, object, or complain.

   Patterns

   • protest not silently
   • object not silently
   • complain not silently

   Several staff members objected not silently but in a signed letter to management.

   They suffered not silently; their complaints were recorded in the official report.

   The students protested not silently, sending a petition to the dean.

Common combinations

react not silently

The audience reacted not silently, gasping at the final scene.

suffer not silently

She chose to suffer not silently and told her doctor about the pain.

not silently but loudly

He answered not silently but loudly, so the whole class heard.

grieve not silently

They grieved not silently, sharing memories at the funeral.

not silently accept

The workers did not silently accept the pay cut; they went on strike.

Synonyms and how they differ

aloud

Means in a voice loud enough to be heard, and usually describes speaking or reading; "not silently" is broader and can also describe open protest or visible reaction.

openly

Focuses on doing something without hiding it, not on sound; use it when the point is honesty rather than noise.

audibly

A more formal word meaning in a way that can be heard; it fits sounds, while "not silently" can also refer to written or public disagreement.

Opposites

Word family

silent adjective

Making no sound; the base adjective that "silently" comes from.

silence noun

Complete absence of sound or speech.

silently adverb

In a way that makes no sound; the opposite of this phrase.

Commonly confused: not silently or not silent?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “not silently”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words