soundlessly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "soundlessly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action performed without making any sound. Example: "The cat moved soundlessly across the room, careful not to wake anyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Moving along the line there is a strange feeling of being in a dream, one resonant in details but which moves slowly and soundlessly.

The Economist

For almost 90 years afterwards, the light, which rotates almost soundlessly in the same vat of mercury that it was built with, was tended by lighthouse keepers who kept the tradition of devout public service alive.

The Economist

In the small settlement of Armadillo all is calm, the people soundlessly going about their business while down the main stretch a tumbleweed lackadaisically idles by.

Independent

Neville, whose turbine will generate electricity to serve 12 or 13 local farms, wishes he could bring the residents of Harwood to the grassy place where he stands, a few miles from Ecotricity's base, beneath turbine blades which are whirling almost soundlessly in the teeth of a stiff breeze.

Independent

On a recent Friday night, a Japanese guitar trio played jazz by the bar in front while "Charade," the 1963 thriller starring Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant, ran soundlessly on a giant screen in back.

The New Yorker

Nigel's parents' bedroom was at the front of the house, opening off the landing ahead of her; the door was ajar, and Jane stepped soundlessly inside.

The New Yorker

And he soundlessly tapped his padded shoe on the floor.

The New Yorker

For instance, many scenes feature no ambient sound at all, which is especially noticeable when they take place in a convertible that's moving in traffic: there's no sound of motors or wind, a car door closes soundlessly as characters speak clearly to each other, the snap of a cigarette-lighter cover is the only sound that's heard.

The New Yorker

The two actors sprint, wheel, and cavort soundlessly.

The New Yorker

The show is staged in a radio studio: the actors arrive and chat soundlessly before taking their seats; microphones hang from the ceiling like upside-down thistles; a red light comes on and we're on the air.

The New Yorker

Naima moved soundlessly, cleaning the indifferent surfaces, preparing our joyless meals.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "soundlessly" to describe actions or movements performed without any noise, creating a sense of stealth, tranquility, or mystery. For example, "The cat moved soundlessly through the tall grass."

Common error

While similar, "silently" can also imply a lack of speaking, whereas "soundlessly" exclusively refers to the absence of any noise. Avoid using "soundlessly" when you intend to convey that someone is not speaking.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "soundlessly" modifies verbs to indicate that an action is performed without producing any sound. Ludwig shows that it typically describes movements or processes executed with complete silence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adverb "soundlessly" effectively conveys the absence of sound, primarily modifying verbs to describe silent actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media contexts. When choosing between "soundlessly" and similar words like "silently" or "quietly", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey. "Soundlessly" implies a complete lack of noise, while "silently" can also refer to a lack of speech, and "quietly" suggests a low volume of noise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

silently

This is the most direct synonym, implying a complete lack of noise.

without a sound

This phrase emphasizes the absence of any audible noise.

noiselessly

Similar to "silently", but may suggest a more deliberate effort to avoid making noise.

in complete silence

Emphasizes the totality of the silence.

inaudibly

This refers to something that cannot be heard, often due to being too quiet or faint.

mute

Implies a lack of sound, often in the context of being unable to speak or make noise.

quietly

Suggests a general lack of noise, but not necessarily complete silence.

hushly

Suggests a quiet or subdued manner, though not necessarily complete silence.

unvocally

Refers specifically to the absence of vocal sounds.

tacitly

Implies without being spoken. Usually for a non-verbal agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "soundlessly" in a sentence?

Use "soundlessly" to describe actions done without noise, such as "The door closed "soundlessly"" or "The dancers moved "soundlessly" across the stage".

What is a synonym for "soundlessly"?

A direct synonym for "soundlessly" is "silently", but you can also use phrases like "without a sound" or "noiselessly".

Is "soundlessly" the same as "silently"?

While similar, "soundlessly" focuses specifically on the absence of noise, whereas "silently" can also imply a lack of speech. Use "soundlessly" when referring to movements or actions that make no noise.

What's the difference between "soundlessly" and "quietly"?

Quietly suggests a low level of noise, whereas "soundlessly" indicates a complete absence of noise. A mouse might move "quietly", but a ninja moves "soundlessly".