Meaning & use

silent

adjective·Everyday

Making no sound, or choosing to refrain from speaking.

See it in a sentence

The library was completely silent except for the turning of pages.

He remained silent during the argument, unwilling to take either side.

A note on using this word

In phonetics, a "silent letter" is one written but not pronounced, as in the "k" in "knife."

Words with a similar meaning

quietnoiselessmute

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

noisyloud

Make it your own

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