scuffle

scuf·fle

verb \ˈskə-fəl\

scuf·fledscuf·fling\-f(ə-)liŋ\

Definition of SCUFFLE

intransitive verb

1

a : to struggle at close quarters with disorder and confusion b : to struggle (as by working odd jobs) to get by

2

a : to move with a quick shuffling gait : scurry b : shuffle

— scuffle noun

Examples of SCUFFLE

1. Children scuffled on the playground.
2. Small creatures scuffled in the underbrush.

Origin of SCUFFLE

perhaps frequentative of scuff

First Known Use: 1590

Related to SCUFFLE

Synonyms: barge, clomp, clump, flog [British], flounder, galumph, lump, plod, pound, scuff, lumber, shamble, shuffle, slog, slough, stamp, stomp, stumble, stump, tramp, tromp, trudge

Antonyms: breeze, coast, glide, slide, waltz, whisk

Related Words: drag, flop, haul; blunder, careen, dodder, lurch, reel, stagger, sway, teeter, totter, waddle, weave, wobble (also wabble)

Near Antonyms: drift, float, hang, hover, poise, waft

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with SCUFFLE

duffel, muffle, ruffle, shuffle, snuffle, truffle