Describing a state of astonishment, surprise, or incredulity, typically with the mouth involuntarily open due to a powerful emotional reaction. This expression often accompanies an inability to speak or react, indicating a profound sense of wonder, shock, or disbelief. The individual may appear frozen or momentarily paralyzed by the unexpected event or information. The gaze is often fixed, and facial muscles may be slack or rigid, reflecting the intensity of the emotional impact. It signifies a complete loss for words, a stunned silence, or a reaction that transcends verbal expression. The term can imply both positive and negative emotions. It can also be used to describe someone who is overly eager to receive information, a little naive, or someone who listens very carefully, perhaps with innocent expectation.
Open-mouthed meaning with examples
- The magician pulled a rabbit from his hat, and the children in the audience sat open-mouthed, their faces reflecting pure astonishment. None could decipher how the trick was done. The silence was deafening save for the occasional gasp. Their minds were frozen with wonder as if in a waking dream.
- When Sarah announced her pregnancy after months of keeping it secret, her parents were left open-mouthed. They had no idea. Their jaws dropped, and they stared at her, completely speechless and unable to process the unexpected news. It felt like a complete surprise; they were overcome with shock and then immense joy.
- As the asteroid began to descend, the crowd, who thought they had been told a lie, was left open-mouthed. They watched in utter disbelief, their faces reflecting a mix of fear and awe at the impending disaster that would undoubtedly follow. It was a spectacle that transcended the boundaries of their imaginations.
- Little Timmy sat open-mouthed, absorbing every word of the fascinating storyteller's tale of mythical creatures and faraway lands. He would never forget those nights. His eyes were wide with wonder. The story transported him, fully captivated and lost in a world of adventure and imagination, utterly enraptured by the narrative.
Open-mouthed Synonyms
agape amazed astonished astounded flabbergasted gaping gawking riveted speechless surprised wonderstruckOpen-mouthed Antonyms
apathetic blasé bored disinterested indifferent jaded unfazed unimpressedOpen-mouthed Crossword Answers
4 Letters
AGOG
5 Letters
INAWE AGAPE