Speechless — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈspēch-ləs/ speech·less

Meaning & Definition of Speechless

Speechless (adjective)

  1. unable to speak, dumb
  2. not speaking, silent
  3. not capable of being expressed in words

Speechless (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. deliberately refraining from speech

    "he remained speechless, even in the face of outrageous accusations"

    similar: mum, mute, muted, silent, uncommunicative, wordless
    related: inarticulate, tongue-tied, nonvocal, voiceless, dumbstruck, sulking, sulky, sullen
    opposite: communicative, speaking, talking
    near: articulate, eloquent, fluent, voluble, well-spoken, gabby, garrulous, loquacious, talkative, talky, outspoken, unreserved, vocal, facile, glib, silver-tongued, smooth-tongued

  2. unable to speak

    "if only this poor, speechless animal could tell us what's wrong with it"

    similar: inarticulate, mute, voiceless
    related: tongue-tied, incoherent, incomprehensible, closemouthed, laconic, reserved, reticent, taciturn, tight-lipped, uncommunicative, mum, nonspeaking, quiet, silent, wordless
    near: blabby, chatty, communicative, expansive, gabby, garrulous, loquacious, talkative, talky, vocal, expatiating, speaking out, speaking up, articulating, speaking, talking, articulate, eloquent, fluent, voluble

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Speechless

The most common words with a similar meaning to Speechless:

mum, mute, muted, silent, uncommunicative, wordless, inarticulate, voiceless

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Speechless

Words with the opposite meaning of Speechless:

communicative, speaking, talking

Related Words for Speechless

tongue-tied, nonvocal, dumbstruck, sulking, sulky, sullen, incoherent, incomprehensible, closemouthed, laconic, reserved, reticent, taciturn, tight-lipped, nonspeaking, quiet

Near Antonyms of Speechless

articulate, eloquent, fluent, voluble, well-spoken, gabby, garrulous, loquacious, talkative, talky, outspoken, unreserved, vocal, facile, glib, silver-tongued, smooth-tongued, blabby, chatty, expansive, expatiating, speaking out, speaking up, articulating

Word Forms of Speechless

Derived words: speechlessly (adverb), speechlessness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Speechless

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Speechless

  • Topics: Feelings & Emotions

Frequently Asked Questions about Speechless

What does "Speechless" mean?

"Speechless" means unable to speak, dumb. As an adjective, it is defined as: unable to speak, dumb. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Speechless"?

Other words for "Speechless" include mum, mute, muted, silent, uncommunicative, wordless, inarticulate and voiceless. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Speechless" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Speechless"?

There are 24 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Speechless". Common alternatives include mum, mute, muted, silent, uncommunicative, wordless, inarticulate and voiceless.

What is the opposite of "Speechless"?

Antonyms of "Speechless" include communicative, speaking and talking. Near antonyms include articulate, eloquent, fluent and voluble.

How do you use "Speechless" in a sentence?

Examples of "Speechless" in a sentence: "he remained speechless, even in the face of outrageous accusations"; "if only this poor, speechless animal could tell us what's wrong with it".

Is "Speechless" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Speechless" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Speechless"?

"Speechless" is pronounced /ˈspēch-ləs/ and divided into syllables as speech·less.

What is the origin of the word "Speechless"?

First known use: before 12th century.