silent treatment

NOUN

ignoring of another

Synonyms

WEAK

blackballing cold shoulder ignore someone ignoring ostracism ostracization sending to Coventry

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

‘He thinks nothing of spending $40K on a new car’: My husband gives me the silent treatment.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 9, 2025

He did not want to speak after Saturday's round, but he did and in so doing broke his silent treatment of the media.

From BBC • Jun. 16, 2025

As his teammates continued to give him the silent treatment, Ohtani raised his arms and waved them.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2024

On their long car ride back from Washington, she gave him the silent treatment, talking to him only through their eldest son.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 19, 2023

The silent treatment would be Ophie’s punishment, but for now Mama seemed more intent on getting them out of the attic than anything else.

From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland