Silence — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms
Meaning & Definition of Silence
Silence (noun)
- forbearance from speech or noise, muteness —often used interjectionally
- absence of sound or noise, stillness
- absence of mention:
Silence (verb)
- to compel or reduce to silence, still
- suppress
- to cause to cease hostile firing or criticism
Silence (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
-
incapacity for or restraint from speaking
"the violinist expects complete silence from the audience during his concerts"
-
the near or complete absence of sound
"the silence of the garden was refreshing after the din of the party inside"
-
the quality or state of being mostly or completely unknown
"the book eventually vanished into the silence that awaits best sellers whose time has past"
Silence (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
-
to stop the noise or speech of
"the instructor quickly silenced anyone who tried to interrupt"
"we need to have a repairman come and silence that door alarm"
-
to put a stop to (something) by the use of force
"brutally silenced all political dissent in the country"
Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Silence
The most common words with a similar meaning to Silence:
Antonyms & Opposite Words for Silence
Words with the opposite meaning of Silence:
Near Antonyms of Silence
Word Forms of Silence
Origin & Etymology of Silence
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin silentium, from silent-, silens
First known use: 13th century
Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Silence
- CEFR level: B2 English Vocabulary — Page 23
- Topics: Communication
Words & Phrases Containing Silence
Frequently Asked Questions about Silence
What does "Silence" mean?
"Silence" means forbearance from speech or noise, muteness —often used interjectionally. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: forbearance from speech or noise, muteness —often used interjectionally. It has 5 distinct senses.
What is another word for "Silence"?
Other words for "Silence" include muteness, speechlessness, stillness, hush, quiet, quietness, quietude and still. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Silence" you intend.
What are different ways to say "Silence"?
There are 82 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Silence". Common alternatives include muteness, speechlessness, stillness, hush, quiet, quietness, quietude, still, anonymity and facelessness.
What is the opposite of "Silence"?
Antonyms of "Silence" include noise, sound, unquietness, celebrity, fame, notoriety and renown. Near antonyms include communication, speaking, talking and eloquence.
How do you use "Silence" in a sentence?
Examples of "Silence" in a sentence: "the violinist expects complete silence from the audience during his concerts"; "the silence of the garden was refreshing after the din of the party inside"; "the book eventually vanished into the silence that awaits best sellers whose time has past".
Is "Silence" a noun, verb, or adjective?
"Silence" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.
Is "Silence" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?
As a B2-level word, "Silence" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.
How do you pronounce "Silence"?
"Silence" is pronounced /ˈsī-lən(t)s/ and divided into syllables as si·lence.