um
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for um, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Intj — A filler sound used to express hesitation or uncertainty while speaking.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Etymology
Variant form of -um.
Full origin of um →Frequently asked questions
What does “um” mean?
The word “um” means a filler sound used to express hesitation or uncertainty while speaking. In plain terms, a hesitation sound people make while thinking of what to say.
How do you pronounce “um”?
“Um” is pronounced uhm (/ʌm/ in IPA).
How do you use “um” in a sentence?
Here is “um” used in a sentence: “"Um, I don't really know how to answer that," he admitted.”
What part of speech is “um”?
“Um” is an intj.
Is “um” a common word?
“Um” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between um and uh?
Both um and uh are filler sounds that signal hesitation while speaking. Um includes a closing m sound and often marks a slightly longer pause or a search for the right word, while uh is shorter and more open, though speakers use them interchangeably.
Should you use um in formal writing?
No. Um belongs to spoken language as a hesitation sound and is avoided in formal writing. It appears in print mainly to represent speech in dialogue, interviews, or transcripts.