quiet
15 synonyms and 2 antonyms for quiet, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Making little or no sound.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use quiet
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin quiētus, "at rest," the same root that gives us "quit," "quite," and "quietus."
Full origin of quiet →Frequently asked questions
What does “quiet” mean?
The word “quiet” means making little or no sound. In plain terms, free of noise, or calm and undisturbed — used for sound, places, activity levels, and personalities alike.
How do you pronounce “quiet”?
“Quiet” is pronounced KWEYE-uht (/ˈkwaɪ̯.ət/ in IPA).
How do you use “quiet” in a sentence?
Here is “quiet” used in a sentence: “The library was completely quiet except for turning pages.”
What is another word for “quiet”?
Words with a similar meaning to “quiet” include faint, hushed, low, muffled, quiet as a grave and quiet as a mouse.
What is the opposite of “quiet”?
The opposite of “quiet” — its antonyms — are noisy and silent.
What part of speech is “quiet”?
Depending on how it is used, “quiet” can be an adjective, a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “quiet” come from?
The word “quiet” comes from Latin. From Latin quiētus, "at rest," the same root that gives us "quit," "quite," and "quietus.".
Is “quiet” a common word?
“Quiet” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between quiet and quite?
They are different words often mixed up because of their spelling. Quiet is an adjective meaning little or no sound, as in 'a quiet room.' Quite is an adverb meaning fairly or to a degree, as in 'quite good.' A useful reminder: quiet has an extra 'e' tucked before the 't.'
What is the difference between quiet and silent?
Silent means completely without sound, while quiet means having little sound. A silent room has no noise at all; a quiet room may still have soft or faint sounds. Quiet is therefore a matter of degree, whereas silent describes the total absence of sound.
What is the opposite of quiet?
The clearest opposites are loud and noisy, which describe strong or unpleasant sound. Related opposites include boisterous and rowdy for lively, energetic behaviour. When quiet refers to a calm, still place or a reserved person, opposites such as busy, bustling, or talkative may fit better depending on the context.
Is quiet a positive or negative word?
Quiet is neutral and takes its tone from context. It is positive when it suggests calm, peace, or focus — a quiet evening or a quiet neighbourhood. It can seem negative when it hints at dullness, or when a 'quiet' person is seen as shy or withdrawn. The setting decides the meaning.