wordless

adjective

word·​less ˈwərd-ləs 

1

: not expressed in or accompanied by words

a wordless picture book

2

: silent, speechless

sat wordless throughout the meeting

wordlessly adverb

wordlessness noun

Synonyms of wordless

• silent
• speechless
• mute
• muted

Examples of wordless in a Sentence

he stood wordless before his accusers

a wordless fondness for each other

Recent Examples on the Web

Four people in a room, playing together, cameras catching all of their wordless communication, their concentration and their intensity in full focus. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026

Lee’s wordless metaphors urge us to consider something at the margins of language, logic, and experience. — Barry Schwabsky, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

He was particularly inspired by the centerpiece scene, a wordless sequence that runs for more than 15 minutes and transforms the film in mood and narrative. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026

Night Ride is wordless, allowing readers to imagine an accompanying narrative or to appreciate the artwork on its own. — Caroline Carlson, Literary Hub, 1 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

wordless

adjective

word·​less ˈwərd-ləs 

1

: not expressed in or having words

a wordless picture book

2

: silent sense 1, speechless

sat wordless throughout the meeting

wordlessly adverb

wordlessness noun