# deafening silence

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/deafening-silence
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A noteworthy silence, or absence of response, especially one signifying disapproval or lack of enthusiasm.

## Examples

- The room was filled with a deafening silence after his rude comment.
- When the manager asked for volunteers to work the weekend, the team responded with a deafening silence.
- The politician waited for applause, but the crowd offered only a deafening silence that signaled their clear disapproval of his new policy.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.