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

• dumb
• mum
• mute
• muted
• silent
• speechless
• uncommunicative

Examples of wordless in a Sentence

he stood wordless before his accusers

a wordless fondness for each other

Recent Examples on the Web

Starring superstar Eddie Peng in a largely wordless performance, the film explores themes of isolation, resilience, and the bond between humans and animals. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 Mar. 2025

Blackall’s full-color illustrations appear on every spread, occasionally taking over storytelling duties when the sisters embark on wordless flights of fancy. —Travis Jonker, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2025

Then there is the final section of the film, which feels increasingly wordless and intuitive, culminating in that remarkable sequence inside the theater. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 23 Aug. 2024

There’s something about these wordless intuitive bonds, full of mischief and love, that feel like magic. —Kelli Bender, People.com, 11 Mar. 2025

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