Silence
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ˈsaɪl(ə)ns/ · Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Silence is a noun meaning The absence of any sound.
Meaning
The absence of any sound.
More Meanings
- The act of refraining from speaking.
- (transitive) To make (someone or something) silent.
- (transitive) To repress the expression of something.
- (transitive) To suppress criticism, etc.
- (molecular biology) To block gene expression.
- (euphemistic) To murder.
- Refraining from speaking, for purposes of prayer or meditation; especially, a form of worship practiced by the Society of Friends (Quakers) during meetings.
Example Sentences
total silence
deadly silence
When the motor stopped, the silence was almost deafening.
"You have the right to silence," said the police officer.
Word Forms
- silences
- silencing
- silenced
Synonyms for silence
Depending on context, synonyms include inaudibility, quietness, crickets, hush, noiselessness, quiet.
Antonyms for silence
Common opposites include audibility, loudness, vocality, speech, talk.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include quiet, still, quieten, hush, hush up, muteness.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.