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

Example Sentences

I was speechless with shock. Your story left me speechless.
Recent Examples on the Web 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 The outcome stunned viewers, the rest of the table and Adelstein, who looked dumbfounded and was speechless for more than 90 seconds after Lew revealed her hand. Andrea Changstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'speechless.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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 21 Mar. 2023.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


Challenging Standardized Test Words

  • high school student holding a pencil leaning over a sat test
  • Despite the cacophony, the student tried to study.
Name That Thing

You know what it looks like… but what is it called?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY