nonverbal

adjective

non·​ver·​bal ˌnän-ˈvər-bəl How to pronounce nonverbal (audio)
: not verbal: such as
a
: not involving or using words
Still, this pope projects eloquence in his off-the-cuff remarks or even during the long interludes between speeches when he is engaged in nonverbal communication with individuals and crowds.John S. Driscoll
… psychological aggression refers to both coercive verbal behaviors (e.g., insulting or swearing at partner) and coercive nonverbal behaviors that are not directed at the partner's body (e.g., slamming doors or smashing objects).Alan E. Kazdin et al.
b
: being other than verbal
… some hidden, nonverbal quality of her life that could only be alluded to in the act of painting.Diane Armitage
c
: lacking or appearing to lack the ability to engage in speech
She finds she can communicate with nonverbal children using drum beats, for example.Robert S. Greenberger
nonverbally adverb

Examples of nonverbal in a Sentence

Facial expressions are very important for nonverbal communication.
Recent Examples on the Web
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The ability to share nonverbal information is crucial in social interaction. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Physical sessions provide a richer sensory experience allowing for a full bodily immersion and enabling participants to extract information from nonverbal communication. Tomoko Yokoi, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024 Paul The Bear, set in an English seaside town, will include a cast of real people and puppet animals and feature a nonverbal lead. Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Oct. 2024 The ability to read subtle nonverbal cues, even through virtual interfaces, and to create psychological safety in teams will be crucial for driving innovation and productivity. Bernard Marr, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nonverbal 

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonverbal was in 1846

Dictionary Entries Near nonverbal

Cite this Entry

“Nonverbal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonverbal. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

nonverbal

adjective
non·​ver·​bal (ˈ)nän-ˈvər-bəl How to pronounce nonverbal (audio)
1
: being other than verbal
nonverbal symbols
2
: involving little use of language
nonverbal tests
nonverbally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on nonverbal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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