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

Still others remained tongue-tied about the “quandary” at hand, as Florida Sen. Marco Rubio put it.

From Slate • Feb. 27, 2024

Giamatti watchers may have a hard time imagining the actor tongue-tied.

From New York Times • Jan. 7, 2024

It made her feel small and tongue-tied to be so close to this great hulk of a man.

From "Lyddie" by Katherine Paterson