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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.

See Examples For:

When Tinfow found himself at a loss for words, she grinned.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 14, 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 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

Season 3 winner Raja, who is Indonesian, also posted a picture of Caliente on Instagram, saying she was at a loss for words.

From BBC ● Apr. 28, 2025

I gaped a little bit, and for a rare moment I was at a loss for words.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

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