whisper

Speech in a very soft voice that only someone nearby can hear.

• She spoke in a whisper.
• I could barely hear his whisper.
• Their whispers broke the silence.

How to use it: in a whisper (He answered in a whisper.)

Similar words: murmur

Opposites: shout

Common phrases: in a whisper, soft whisper, barely a whisper

A story or suggestion passed quietly between people that may not be true.

• There are whispers of a strike.
• I heard a whisper about her resignation.
• Whispers of trouble spread through the office.

How to use it: whispers of/about something (There were whispers of a possible merger.)

Similar words: rumor, rumour

Common phrases: whisper of something, hear a whisper, whispers about something

A very small amount or slight sign of something.

• The sauce has a whisper of lemon.
• A whisper of pink colored the morning sky.
• Her smile held a whisper of sadness.

How to use it: a whisper of something (The room smelled of roses with a whisper of lavender.)

Similar words: hint, trace, touch

Common phrases: whisper of something, just a whisper

To speak very softly so that only someone close to you can hear.

• Please whisper in the library.
• She whispered a secret to me.
• What were you whispering about?

How to use it: whisper something to someone (He whispered the answer to his sister.); whisper in someone’s ear (She whispered in my ear.); whisper that… (He whispered that it was time to leave.)

Similar words: murmur

Opposites: shout

Common phrases: whisper to someone, whisper a secret, whisper something quietly