hush 1 of 2

noun

Definition of hushnext
1
as in restfulness
a state of freedom from storm or disturbance the storm passed, and a hush fell over the sea

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2
as in silence
the near or complete absence of sound a hush fell over the auditorium as the lights went down

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hush

2 of 2

verb

ˈhəsh How to pronounce hush (audio)
1
as in to cool
to become still and orderly the whole room hushed when the queen made her entrance

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2
as in to quiet (down)
to stop talking the principal asked the children to hush and pay attention during the ceremony

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3
as in to shush
to stop the noise or speech of he tried to hush the baby by making a lot of silly faces

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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 hush
Noun
The shimmering hush of the strings beneath the harp in the Adagietto. — Justin Davidson, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026 Because every moment is narrated in Ugandan Sign Language and International Sign, Deaf travelers are more deeply immersed in the experience, and a welcome hush falls over the environment—which is, surprise, appreciated by the wildlife too. — Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
Moments ago, the courtroom was hushed when the mistrial was declared, marking an emotional close for this jury in the nearly six-week trial. — Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026 Nelson remembers hushing her foster children back to sleep that night and calling 911, anxious for an end to those sleepless nights. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hush
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hush
  1. restfulness
  2. silence
  3. cool
  4. dry up
  5. shush
  6. quiet
  7. clam up
  8. mute
Noun
  • The proof was in my Oura ring sleep score—96% and optimal restfulness.
    — Brianna Peters, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2026
  • But restfulness dropped—my body noticed the break.
    — Marisa McMillan, Outside, 29 Dec. 2025
Definition of restfulness
Noun
  • The senator’s silence amid one of the state’s most high-profile races in decades, however, is noteworthy, Marshall’s critics say.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2026
  • According to Kaarlela, the Sápmi world, its language, land, family, reindeer herding, sense of belonging and silence are all integral to the story.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of silence
Verb
  • But once Bloys was confirmed as the new top boss of streaming for Skydance, the Bajaria speculation cooled off.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Attendees can sample food from each participating restaurant, with craft beverages available to cool the flames.
    — Paul Stephen, San Antonio Express-News, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of cool
Verb
  • Yet Kyiv’s stockpile has dried up as the United States husbands an arsenal that has been significantly depleted by the Iran war.
    — Eric Ciaramella, Foreign Affairs, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The foreign money and visitors could dry up, however, if the Saudis prove incapable of defending themselves from Houthi attacks.
    — Frank Andrews, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of dry up
Verb
  • Bass’ barrages got to Raman more than a few times, leading her to talk over the NBC and Telemundo moderators or even shush them.
    — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • They were repeatedly shushed instead as the Nittany Lions (3-3, 0-3) fell to 13-10 in their marquee event after failing to keep pace with a USC offense that averaged nearly eight yards per play through the first three quarters.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of shush
Noun
  • After co-headlining with Charli xcx at the peak of Brat Summer, Sivan was struck by his post-show emotional crash, when the roar of stadiums gave way to the quiet of being totally on his own.
    — Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2026
  • An uneasy quiet took over the boat as customers waited for another catch.
    — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of quiet
Verb
  • Anyone asked by local or national media over the past few months if they’d been invited to the nuptials clammed up quickly.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
  • On Israel, a lot of candidates have clammed up.
    — Naaman Zhou, New Yorker, 22 June 2026
Definition of clam up
Verb
  • Shot on England’s coasts and countryside, the film favors muted costumes, no makeup and quiet, lingering scenes, presenting Austen’s young women as emotionally immediate and recognizably modern.
    — Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Looming in the medium-term future is the team’s punishment, which could run from dramatic to muted.
    — Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of mute

Phrases Containing hush

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Cite this Entry

“Hush.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hush. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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