as in mute
unable to speak because you are nervous or shy
She became tongue-tied whenever he was around. He gets tongue-tied in front of crowds.
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tongue-tied
Adjective
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Complicating matters is the fact that Maddie is deaf and mute, forcing her to utilize her other senses to stop the killer from claiming her as his next victim.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Jan. 2026 -
For this new work, Andrews has forged Sophocles’ Electra with Ingmar Bergman’s 1966 gripping classic, Persona, a film that starred Liv Ullmann and Bibi Andersson playing, respectively, a famous theatre actress, inexplicably struck mute, who is cared for by a young nurse.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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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
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Because his work, as is often the case, leaves us almost speechless.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2023
Adjective
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Even seemingly outlandish and incomprehensible claims called in to tip lines were examined.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Feb. 2026
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Even seemingly outlandish and incomprehensible claims, called in to tip lines, were examined.—
Michael R. Sisak,
Fortune,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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That’s harder to do in heavy scenes where people talk about their emotions, because real people tend to be inarticulate in these moments.—
Hershal Pandya,
Vulture,
2 Dec. 2025
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Hank’s friends – conspiracy theorist Dale, military barber Bill, and cool but inarticulate Boomhauer, along with Peggy’s friends Minh and meteorologist Nancy, and Bobby’s friend Connie helped the Hills navigate a changing world.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Saltburn was a collection of delirious imagery that featured some incoherent aspirations toward class commentary.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
9 Feb. 2026
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For Warsh’s critics, the issue is that his rationales have been incoherent, with no discernible pattern except for advocating higher rates under Democrats and lower rates under Republicans.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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While current work on the development is silent, crews are only waiting for county permits to build, the developer said.—
Larry Seward,
Miami Herald,
13 Feb. 2026
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History has shown us time and again that meaningful change often begins when young people refuse to stay silent.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Tongue-tied.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tongue-tied. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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