Definitions

tongue-tied

[tuhng-tahyd] / ˈtʌŋˌtaɪd /

ADJECTIVE

unable to speak

Synonyms

STRONG

amazed astounded dazed dumbfounded garbled mute shocked shy stammering

WEAK

aghast at a loss for words 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.

At times, Raman was tongue-tied trying to answer simple questions.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

Titled Shy, it describes how Rapp became tongue-tied around the British musician when they toured together in 2023.

From BBC • Jul. 24, 2025

Speech production is a complex neural phenomenon that has left researchers explaining it tongue-tied.

From Science Daily • Oct. 11, 2023

“There wasn’t …” It was the first time I’d ever seen Harry tongue-tied.

From Slate • May 27, 2023

I feel awkward all of a sudden—heavy-limbed and tongue-tied.

From "Leah on the Offbeat" by Becky Albertalli