stammer

21 synonyms and 2 antonyms for stammer, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Verb — To speak with involuntary repetitions or pauses, unable to get words out smoothly.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

mouth

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

hacker hammer hesitate

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

balbucinate balbutiate croak drawl falter gibber haw hum and haw jabber mince muffle mumble mump mutter splutter sputter stutter

Synonyms by Meaning

1. verb

To speak with involuntary repetitions or pauses, unable to get words out smoothly.

“He stammered an apology before rushing out of the room.”

balbucinate balbutiate croak drawl falter gibber hacker hammer haw hesitate hum and haw jabber mince mouth muffle mumble mump mutter splutter sputter stutter

Opposites

annunciate articulate

2. noun

A speech pattern marked by involuntary repeated sounds or blocked words.

“He has had a stammer since childhood but rarely lets it hold him back.”

stutter

Etymology

From Old English stamerian, related to German stammeln and a distant cousin of the word "stumble."

Full origin of stammer →

Frequently asked questions

What does “stammer” mean?

The word “stammer” means to speak with involuntary repetitions or pauses, unable to get words out smoothly. In plain terms, to struggle to get words out smoothly, or the speech condition itself.

How do you pronounce “stammer”?

“Stammer” is pronounced STA-muh (/ˈstæmɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “stammer” in a sentence?

Here is “stammer” used in a sentence: “He stammered an apology before rushing out of the room.”

What is another word for “stammer”?

Words with a similar meaning to “stammer” include balbucinate, balbutiate, croak, drawl, falter and gibber.

What is the opposite of “stammer”?

The opposite of “stammer” — its antonyms — are annunciate and articulate.

What part of speech is “stammer”?

Depending on how it is used, “stammer” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “stammer” come from?

The word “stammer” comes from Old English. From Old English stamerian, related to German stammeln and a distant cousin of the word "stumble.".

How many meanings does “stammer” have?

“Stammer” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to speak with involuntary repetitions or pauses, unable to get words out smoothly.

People also searched

mouth hammer hesitate hacker articulate croak falter stutter haw jabber mutter mince

Nearby words

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