deafening silence

USAGE SUMMARY

"deafening silence" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation in which there is no noise, or when the silence is so loud it is overwhelming. Example sentence: My heart was pounding as I entered the room, and all I could hear was the deafening silence.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Deafening silence.

The New Yorker

There is a deafening silence.

Independent

The answer was a deafening silence.

Independent

All I hear is a deafening silence.

The Guardian - Opinion

And yet Dr. Sexton's response was a deafening silence.

The New York Times

Another reason accounts for the deafening silence surrounding Houthuesen's oeuvre.

The New York Times - Arts

What explains the deafening silence from the Muslim World?

The Guardian - Opinion

"The situation in Calais is deteriorating in a deafening silence.

The Guardian

"DEAFENING SILENCE" was the phrase chosen by Joseph Daul, chairman of the European Parliament's biggest party.

The Economist

The "deafening silence," he submits, can be blamed on the philosophical prejudices of the era.

The New Yorker

But there was one faction that met him with deafening silence.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deafening silence" to describe a situation where the absence of sound or response is particularly noticeable and meaningful, often indicating disapproval, disagreement, or a significant lack of enthusiasm.

Common error

Avoid using "deafening silence" to simply describe a quiet environment. The phrase carries a connotation of significance or unease, suggesting the silence is more than just the absence of noise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deafening silence" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a particular type of silence that is noteworthy due to its intensity and implications, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deafening silence" is a common and effective way to describe a noticeable and meaningful lack of sound or response. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, remember that it carries a connotation of significance, often implying disapproval or disagreement. Consider alternatives like "telling silence" or "noticeable absence of response" for nuanced emphasis. Avoid using it simply to describe a quiet environment, as the impact comes from its inherent implication of unspoken meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

telling silence

Suggests the silence is meaningful and reveals something important.

loaded pause

Indicates that the silence is filled with unspoken meaning or tension.

noticeable absence of response

Focuses on the lack of reaction rather than the intensity of the silence itself.

pregnant silence

Implies the silence is full of anticipation or unspoken words.

expressive silence

Highlights the ability of silence to communicate feelings or thoughts.

striking lack of communication

Emphasizes the missing element of communication, which could be verbal or non-verbal.

conspicuous muteness

Highlights the obvious and intentional nature of the silence.

marked quiet

Underlines the unusual or significant nature of the quietness.

complete lack of comment

Highlights the absence of any remarks or observations on a topic.

significant pause

Focuses on the temporary cessation of sound or speech and implies importance.

FAQs

How can I use "deafening silence" in a sentence?

You can use "deafening silence" to describe an absence of sound or response that is conspicuous and meaningful, often implying disapproval or lack of enthusiasm. For example: "The proposal was met with a "deafening silence" from the committee."

What's a less dramatic way to describe silence?

If you don't want to imply disapproval or tension, consider using phrases like "complete quiet", "peaceful stillness", or "calm atmosphere".

What does "deafening silence" imply about the situation?

A "deafening silence" suggests that the lack of response is not accidental but rather a deliberate or significant indication of something, such as disagreement, disapproval, or a lack of support.

Is "deafening silence" an oxymoron?

Yes, "deafening silence" is an oxymoron, a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms. It's used to emphasize the powerful or conspicuous nature of the silence.