resounding silence

USAGE SUMMARY

'resounding silence' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate a silence that is so strong and powerful that it almost has a presence of its own. For example, "The room fell into a resounding silence as everyone waited for the jury's verdict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Resounding silence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Zidane has maintained a resounding silence on the controversy.

The Guardian - Opinion

But there has been a resounding silence from the Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell.

The Guardian

There was a resounding silence at this breach of his right to free speech.

The Guardian

Then think of their resounding silence about democracy within the City of London.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is a resounding silence emanating from a majority of American bishops.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Mr. Fischer's tempos and dynamics tended toward extremes, punctuated with resounding silences, but always yielded results that sounded fresh, inspired and wholly in the spirit of Beethoven's evocative writing.

The New York Times - Arts

The clacking of the checkers on the hardwood points was the music of honest thought, resounding in silence as it navigated the fortunes told by the pips on the dice.

The New Yorker

With the exception of one pre-gathering article written by The Working Group's board chairman, Frank Joyce, which appeared on Alternet.org, the Not in Our Town gathering was met with a resounding journalistic silence.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is no silence more resounding than that of a cognitive communication malfunction.

The Guardian

The final act of complacency came from Cameron, who took it for granted that a referendum on our membership of the European Union would produce a pro-remain vote so resounding that it would silence his critics on the Tory backbenches.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "resounding silence" to create a dramatic or emphatic effect, highlighting the significance of what is not being said or heard. This is particularly effective in descriptive writing or when reporting on events where a response is expected but absent.

Common error

Avoid using "resounding silence" simply to describe a quiet environment. The phrase implies more than just a lack of noise; it suggests a meaningful absence that carries weight or consequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "resounding silence" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a situation where the absence of sound or response is particularly noticeable or significant. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

13%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "resounding silence" is a valid and frequently used phrase that highlights the significance of an absence of sound or communication. Ludwig confirms this, and its usage spans across diverse contexts such as news, formal communications and academic discussions. It is mostly used in News & Media. When using "resounding silence", ensure it reflects more than just quietness; it should emphasize an intentional or meaningful lack of response. Alternatives like "telling silence" or "significant quiet" can be used to convey similar meanings, but the impact may vary. The phrase is best employed to create a dramatic or emphatic effect, drawing attention to what is not being said or heard.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deafening silence

Emphasizes the powerful and noticeable absence of sound, creating a sense of something significant being unsaid.

telling silence

Implicates the silence as conveying a message or meaning, often of disapproval or disagreement.

eloquent silence

Suggests the silence is communicating something powerfully, despite the absence of words.

marked silence

Draws attention to the noticeable and deliberate nature of the quiet.

significant quiet

Highlights the importance or weight carried by the absence of noise.

complete quiet

Focuses on the thoroughness and completeness of the absence of noise.

conspicuous muteness

Emphasizes the obvious and intentional nature of the silence or lack of speech.

total hush

Highlights the stillness and lack of activity contributing to the silence.

profound stillness

Underscores the depth and intensity of the silence, often suggesting contemplation or solemnity.

noticeable absence of sound

Directly states the lack of noise in a way that is clear and evident.

FAQs

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

You can use "resounding silence" to describe a situation where the absence of sound or response is significant, such as: "The proposal was met with a "resounding silence" from the board members."

What's the difference between "deafening silence" and "resounding silence"?

"Deafening silence" implies a very loud or overwhelming absence of sound, while "resounding silence" suggests a silence that is significant and noticeable. Though they are similar, "deafening silence" often carries a stronger emotional charge.

What can I say instead of "resounding silence"?

You can use alternatives like "telling silence", "significant quiet", or "noticeable absence of sound" depending on the context.

Is "resounding silence" an oxymoron?

While it might seem contradictory, "resounding silence" is not a true oxymoron because "resounding" emphasizes the impact or significance of the silence, rather than its sound quality. It highlights the powerful effect of the absence of noise or response.