Synonyms for

Tongue

Verb / tʌŋ / Another word for tongue — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

The fleshy muscular organ in the mouth used for tasting, swallowing, and speaking.

Synonyms & similar words

glossa lingua clapper spit artificiallanguage knife naturallanguage glossa lingua vernacular dialect idiom jargon argot cant lingo patois slang jive phrasing expression verbiage vocabulary wording language talk

Synonyms by register

Formal

lingual organ speech organ

Informal

yap trap mouth chatterbox

Literary

oracle eloquence

Antonyms

silence mute speechless quiet unresponsive

Common collocations

  • hold your tongue
  • bite your tongue
  • tongue-tied
  • tongue in cheek
  • tongue lashing
  • on the tip of my tongue
  • taste buds
  • tongue depressor

Word family

noun tongue
verb tongue
adjective lingual

Usage note

The word 'tongue' can refer to the physical organ in the mouth or to speech/language itself. Be mindful of context to avoid ambiguity.

Example sentences

  1. I burned my tongue on the hot soup.
  2. She couldn't speak because her tongue was swollen.
  3. He stuck his tongue out at his little sister.
  4. She had a thick accent and spoke with a different tongue.
  5. The teacher asked the student to recite the tongue twister.

Quotes

  • 'Let your tongue speak what your heart thinks.' - Davy Crockett
  • 'The tongue is the only tool that gets sharper with use.' - Washington Irving
  • 'A sharp tongue is the only edge tool that grows keener with constant use.' - Washington Irving

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words