keep quiet

idiom

1
: to not say anything or make any noise
He thought about telling the police what he knew, but he decided to keep quiet.
Please keep quiet during the movie.
2
: to not say anything about (something)
She kept her plans quiet.
3
: to prevent (someone or something) from making noise
She gave the dog a bone to keep him quiet.
4
: to prevent (someone) from revealing information about something
They paid money to the witness to keep him quiet.

Examples of keep quiet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
During the season 14 reunion, which aired earlier this month, Richards defended her decision to keep quiet about her relationship with Morgan Wade, after their friendship fueled rumors of something more. Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 1 May 2025 In one incident from last year, a child was left alone in a van for four hours, and staff had been threatened to keep quiet about it. Rachel Cohen, Vox, 17 Apr. 2025 At the end of Season 3, Belinda finds herself in a surprising position of power after Greg offers her $100,000 to keep quiet about his identity. Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025 The White Lotus star Patrick Schwarzenegger breaks down latest brotherly love development: 'Whoa' This week's episode revealed Greg's nefarious plan to — offer her $100,000 to keep quiet about his current location. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for keep quiet

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Cite this Entry

“Keep quiet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keep%20quiet. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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