speechless

[speech-lis]

adjective

1. temporarily deprived of speech by strong emotion, physical weakness, exhaustion, etc..

   speechless with alarm.

   Synonyms: mute
   Antonyms: talkative, voluble, loquacious

2. characterized by absence or loss of speech.

   speechless joy.

   Antonyms: talkative, voluble, loquacious

3. lacking the faculty of speech; dumb.

   Synonyms: mute, silent
   Antonyms: talkative, voluble, loquacious

4. not expressed in speech or words.

   speechless compliments.

5. refraining from speech.

speechless

/ ˈspiːtʃlɪs /

adjective

1. not able to speak

2. temporarily deprived of speech

3. not expressed or able to be expressed in words

   speechless fear

Other Word Forms

• speechlessness noun
• speechlessly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of speechless¹

before 1000; Middle English specheles, Old English spǣclēas. See speech, -less

Example Sentences

“I was speechless, I didn’t know what to say,” the always loquacious Hudler said.

From Los Angeles Times

"I was full of emotions and super speechless," she told BBC Sport.

From BBC

"When I heard that my mouth hit the floor, utter shock," said Jemma, adding they were "pretty much speechless".

From BBC

“I was speechless. It was a very drastic decision.”

From Los Angeles Times

She told the BBC she was "speechless" when she read the email and that she chose to close her account.

From BBC

Related Words

• amazed 
• dazed 
• dumb 
• silent