silent treatment

as in dismissal
treatment that is deliberately unfriendly ever since our run-in at the party she's been giving me the silent treatment

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of silent treatment No spanking, humiliation, silent treatment, name calling, withholding of love and affection, or nonsensical punishments and consequences. Meghan Leahy, Washington Post, 3 July 2024 After her husband retired, the disengagement, silent treatment and lack of support that characterized the relationship worsened. Abby Ellin, Washington Post, 1 July 2024 My partner is not physically abusive but checks a lot of other boxes: yelling, vicious anger, name-calling, silent treatments. Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2024 Instead, some of us learn to resort to cattiness, silent treatments, passive aggression, and the 'mean-girl' behaviours thought to be inherent to being female. Natalie Gil, refinery29.com, 11 July 2023 See All Example Sentences for silent treatment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for silent treatment
Noun
  • Despite the low scoring, United fans would ideally like to give Amorim time to reshape the squad to his liking, rather than call for his immediate dismissal.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 7 June 2025
  • His dismissal — and that of several other judges whom President Trump brought in in his first term in office — sparked immediate GOP outrage and claims of political interference.
    Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Listen to this article Who says the NCAA wants to give Denver a cold shoulder?
    Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Sal feels every insult, every quip, and every cold shoulder from one of his kids.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But the first lady's office squashed those rejection rumors for her son last week.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 2 June 2025
  • The founder who avoids raising prices fears rejection.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Silent treatment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/silent%20treatment. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

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