Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Completely silent; making no sound: Describes something that produces no audible noise or exists in a state of total quiet.
   • Without a sound: Characterized by an absence of any sound.

Usage

• The adjective "soundless" is used to describe a state or quality of absolute silence. It is a formal or literary term.
• It is typically used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like "was" or "seemed").

Examples

• Attributive use (before a noun):
  • The thief moved with soundless steps across the wooden floor.
  • They watched the soundless flight of the owl against the night sky.
• Predicative use (after a linking verb):
  • The vast, empty hall was soundless.
  • After the explosion, the world seemed suddenly soundless.

Advanced Usage

• "soundless as": Used in similes to emphasize extreme quiet.
  • The library was soundless as a tomb.
• In descriptive or poetic writing to create a mood of stillness, secrecy, or profundity.
  • He gave a soundless sigh of relief.

Variants and Related Words

• Soundlessly (adverb): In a manner that makes no sound.
  • The door closed soundlessly behind her.
• Soundlessness (noun): The state or quality of being soundless.
  • The soundlessness of the deep forest was unnerving.

Synonyms

• Silent: Making no sound; quiet.
• Noiseless: Making little or no noise.
• Hushed: Very quiet, especially due to an atmosphere of respect or secrecy.
• Mute: Refraining from speech; silent. (Note: "Mute" can also mean unable to speak.)

Antonyms

• Noisy: Making a lot of sound.
• Loud: Producing or capable of producing much noise.
• Deafening: Extremely loud.
• Sonorous: Capable of producing a deep or ringing sound.

Adjective

1. marked by absence of sound
   • a silent house
   • soundless footsteps on the grass
   • the night was still