Definitions

at a loss for words

ADJECTIVE

dumb

Synonyms

STRONGEST

speechless

WEAK

inarticulate incoherent mum mute quiet silent soundless tongue-tied uncommunicative voiceless wordless

Antonyms

WEAK

speaking

ADJECTIVE

overcome

Synonyms

STRONG

affected beaten buried conquered defeated overthrown swamped taken

WEAK

blown-away bowled-over speechless swept off one's feet unable to continue

Antonyms

WEAK

indifferent unbothered unconcerned unflappable unmoved

ADJECTIVE

tongue-tied

Synonyms

STRONG

amazed astounded dazed dumbfounded garbled mute shocked shy stammering

WEAK

aghast bashful choked up dumbstruck inarticulate mum silent speechless uncommunicative voiceless

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"It was absolutely incredible. And I think everyone is sort of at a loss for words," she recalled.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it "absolutely heartrending" and Kohli said he was "at a loss for words" after the tragedy.

From Barron's • Nov. 6, 2025

“We are at a loss for words right now,” the post said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2025

"We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away. We are at a loss for words right now," they wrote.

From Salon • Jun. 11, 2025

So when she was at a loss for words, the way she was now, that scared him.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

at a loss for words

Example Sentences

Related Words