was silent
Kept quiet then
Was silent describes the state of not speaking or making sound.
Someone was silent when they refrained from talking, whether briefly or for an extended period: She was silent for a moment before answering.
The phrase can suggest deliberate choice—withholding comment or refusing to speak: He was silent on the matter of his resignation.
It also describes absence of noise generally: The house was silent after everyone left.
- refrainedChose not to act
- withheldKept from giving
- reservedRestrained in manner
- stillnessComplete lack of motion
- solemnSerious and dignified
kept quiet · said nothing · ceased · quiet · reticent · withdrawn · suppressed · reverent · paused · tranquility · contemplative · muteness · ceremonial · pensive · hushed · noiselessness · stonewalled · introspective