Slack-jawed

Pronunciation varies by accent · adjective

Meaning

With the mouth in an open position and the jaw hanging loosely, especially as indicating bewilderment or astonishment..

Definitions by Sense

1. With the mouth in an open position and the jaw hanging loosely, especially as indicating bewilderment or astonishment.
2. (by extension) Unsophisticated or unthinking; dimwitted in appearance.
3. (dated) Overly talkative; indiscreet.

Example Sentences

For one frightful moment there was no sound; even the men's breathing was hushed, and they sat slack-jawed, stunned, half-minded to believe this some hideous, incredible jest.

The Pudgelys and the Pinkhearts and the Roundasses are all staring at her, slackjawed.

She brought to the stage the barefoot, slack-jawed frontiersmen found on postcards in every convenience store and tourist trap in the Ozarks.

But driving a car—particularly the supersize models—really should demand more concentration than, say, slouching slack-jawed in front of the wide screen in your den.

As a matter of fact, it was by trying to lean on it that Spencer Clay got hold of the facts of the case; and when young Clay got hold of anything, Marois Bay at large had it hot and fresh a few hours later; for Spencer was one of those slack-jawed youths who are constitutionally incapable of preserving a secret.

Synonyms for slack-jawed

Antonyms for slack-jawed

Related Words

Word Forms

• more slack-jawed
• most slack-jawed
• slackjawed

Usage Notes

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