silent treatment
noun
: an act of completely ignoring a person or thing by resort to silence especially as a means of expressing contempt or disapproval
Examples of silent treatment in a Sentence
ever since our run-in at the party she's been giving me the silent treatment
Recent Examples on the Web
The dynamic may be marked by frequent ruptures, including arguments, silent treatment or emotional withdrawal, followed by sudden closeness, reconciliation or affection.
—
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
This silent treatment was later clarified to be part of McIlroy’s strategy to eliminate distractions.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2025
This distress often results in either combative behavior (arguing, criticizing) or withdrawal (silent treatment, shutting down).
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
No guilt-tripping, no last-minute attempts to change your mind, no silent treatment later on.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for silent treatment
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Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
This silent treatment was later clarified to be part of McIlroy’s strategy to eliminate distractions.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2025
This distress often results in either combative behavior (arguing, criticizing) or withdrawal (silent treatment, shutting down).
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
No guilt-tripping, no last-minute attempts to change your mind, no silent treatment later on.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for silent treatment
Cite this Entry
“Silent treatment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silent%20treatment. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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