Synonyms for

Deaf

Verb / def / Another word for deaf — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

unable to hear or having limited hearing ability

Synonyms & similar words

hearing deafen indifferent hard-of-hearing hearing-impaired deafened unhearing deaf-mute tone-deaf deafish

Synonyms by register

Formal

hearing-impaired hard-of-hearing anacusic

Informal

can't hear tone-deaf clueless

Literary

unhearing soundless

Antonyms

hearing auditory sound vocal noisy loud

Common collocations

  • profoundly deaf
  • deaf and dumb
  • deaf to pleas
  • deaf ears
  • deafening silence
  • born deaf
  • suddenly deaf

Word family

noun deafness
adjective deaf
adverb deafly

Usage note

The term 'deaf' is generally preferred over 'hearing-impaired' in many communities, as the latter can imply a deficit rather than a cultural identity. 'Deaf and dumb' is considered outdated and offensive.

Example sentences

  1. The deaf dog could not hear his owner's commands.
  2. She learned sign language to communicate with her deaf sister.
  3. The concert was too loud for the deaf man to enjoy.
  4. The school provided special accommodations for their deaf students.
  5. The deafening roar of the jet engine made it hard to hear anything else.

Quotes

  • 'Being deaf, it's not like in the movies.' - Marlee Matlin
  • 'Deaf people are human beings and not aliens.' - Linda Bove
  • 'I was born deaf, but I never felt that I was a deaf person.' - Evelyn Glennie

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