Panellist misses pal still (6)

I believe the answer is:

silent

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'still' is the definition.
('silent' can be a synonym of 'still')

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for silent that I've seen before include "Listen (anag.)" , "Free from noise" , "Soundless" , "Quiet -- 13 (anag)" , "Utterly quiet" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times and the Irish Times (Crosaire).

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