speechless

adjective

speech·​less ˈspēch-ləs How to pronounce speechless (audio)
1
: unable to speak : dumb
2
: not speaking : silent
3
: not capable of being expressed in words
speechlessly adverb
speechlessness noun

Examples of speechless in a Sentence

I was speechless with shock. Your story left me speechless.
Recent Examples on the Web In helicopter video taken by Air Maui Helicopter Tours in Lahaina and posted online the people aboard are largely speechless. Phil Helsel, NBC News, 10 Aug. 2023 Because his work, as is often the case, leaves us almost speechless. Arkansas Online, 10 Jan. 2023 Crockett was speechless when Tapper informed him that was not the case. Bryan Pietsch, BostonGlobe.com, 4 Jan. 2023 For what seemed like the 100th time in about 20 minutes, Kevin de León was speechless, his jaw slack, his eyes as wide and blank as a deer caught in headlights. Erika D. Smithcolumnist, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2022 Jose was nearly speechless as he was handed the microphone to say a few words. Olivia Lloyd, Sun Sentinel, 21 July 2022 Mobile Christian baseball coach Talley Haines was nearly speechless when asked Tuesday night to recap Game 1 of the Class 4A state championship series. Ben Thomas | Bthomas@al.com, al, 17 May 2022 My sister immediately gave me a bearhug and my mama was legitimately speechless, but the most powerful reaction came from my father. James Boyd, The Indianapolis Star, 29 July 2022 Moments later, Will, 53, walked onstage and struck Chris, who was initially speechless. Benjamin Vanhoose, PEOPLE.com, 5 Apr. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'speechless.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of speechless was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near speechless

Cite this Entry

“Speechless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speechless. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

speechless

adjective
speech·​less ˈspēch-ləs How to pronounce speechless (audio)
1
: unable to speak
2
: not speaking for a time : silent
speechless with surprise
speechlessly adverb
speechlessness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on speechless

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