What does "silence" mean?
The absence of any sound.
Silence
/ˈsaɪl(ə)ns/ intj, name, noun, verb
intj, name, noun, verb ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The absence of any sound.
- Grammar: silence is listed as intj, name, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: quiet, hush, quietness, secrecy.
- Useful contrasts: acting turn, alarming, ambient hum.
- Usage evidence: Speech is silver, but silence is golden.
How to use "silence"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "silence" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "silence" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "silence" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "silence" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "silence" is acting as intj, name, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "quiet" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "silence", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The absence of any sound. uncountable, usually
"When the motor stopped, the silence was almost deafening."
- 2 a refusal to speak when expected wordnet
- 3 The act of refraining from speaking. uncountable, usually
""You have the right to silence," said the police officer."
- 4 the trait of keeping things secret wordnet
- 5 Refraining from speaking, for purposes of prayer or meditation; especially, a form of worship practiced by the Society of Friends (Quakers) during meetings. uncountable, usually
"During silence a message came to me that there was that of God in every person."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 the absence of sound wordnet
- 7 the state of being silent (as when no one is speaking) wordnet
Verb
- 1 To make (someone or something) silent. transitive
"Can you silence the crowd, so we can start the show?"
- 2 cause to be quiet or not talk wordnet
- 3 To repress the expression of something. transitive
"Women, as well as children, have their thoughts or emotions routinely silenced."
- 4 keep from expression, for example by threats or pressure wordnet
- 5 To suppress criticism, etc. transitive
"Silence the critics."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 To block gene expression.
- 7 To murder. euphemistic
"They, and others through the years, believed Ruby must have acted on his own since there was no logic to the supposition that anyone could trust an uncontrollable, unreliable loudmouth like Ruby to silence Oswald."
Intj
- 1 Be silent. imperative
"Silence! Enough of your insolence!"
Proper Noun
- 1 A female given name from English. rare
Antonyms
Example
"Speech is silver, but silence is golden."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "silence"?
Common synonyms include: quiet, hush, quietness, secrecy, stillness, abrupt silence.
How do you use "silence" in a sentence?
Speech is silver, but silence is golden.
How do you pronounce "silence"?
Pronounced /ˈsaɪl(ə)ns/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English silence, from Old French silence, from Latin silentium (“silence”), from silēns (“quiet, silent”, present participle of silēre) + -ium. Displaced native Old English swīġe and sālnes.
Etymology 2
From silence.