1
as in to stumble
to proceed or act clumsily or ineffectually
unprepared choristers who floundered helplessly through the musical number
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to shuffle
to move heavily or clumsily
the car floundered through the heavy wet snow, constantly getting stuck
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of flounder
In 2020, when many saw in Joe Biden a floundering candidate, a loose coalition of black women activists saw an opportunity.
—
Ta-Nehisi Coates,
Vanity Fair,
15 June 2026
If this doesn’t work, the Heat will flounder for at least a half of a decade or longer.
—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
14 June 2026
Henry, the principal owner, has made Kennedy the team spokesman and Kennedy said he’s not focused on his own job security as the organization flounders into obscurity.
—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
11 June 2026
The comedian admits floundering in his mid-20s and winding up behind bars.
—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for flounder
Ta-Nehisi Coates,
Vanity Fair,
15 June 2026
If this doesn’t work, the Heat will flounder for at least a half of a decade or longer.
—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
14 June 2026
Henry, the principal owner, has made Kennedy the team spokesman and Kennedy said he’s not focused on his own job security as the organization flounders into obscurity.
—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
11 June 2026
The comedian admits floundering in his mid-20s and winding up behind bars.
—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for flounder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flounder
Verb
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There's been some stumbling plays, thwarted by tripping and dramatic falls.
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The conversation stumbles on for a few moments, but Crook can’t find the words.
Verb
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The company has since shuffled several leaders, including naming a new human resources chief and the company’s first chief digital officer.
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The assistant shuffled to one side and the scene reset.
Verb
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In addition, composters are struggling with the amount of plastic and other debris that people and businesses put in the food waste bins.
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Cristiano Ronaldo looks to be in top form after struggling in his World Cup opener, scoring two goals already today.
Verb
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Now city officials are being asked to stomp the gas pedal on an ordinance that could speed the demise of some of downtown’s stateliest buildings — ones that help define its character, such as the old train station on Church Street, the Kress building and the Angebilt Hotel.
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On Monday night, a 39-year-old man wearing a Spurs jersey was stomped and punched after Game 3 while walking down West 47th Street, about 15 blocks from the arena.
Verb
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Compared with synthetic fibers, which slough off microplastics that pollute waterways, land and air, natural fibers can be grown or raised in ways that sequester carbon, improve soil health and reduce inputs like pesticides, resulting in a lower environmental footprint, Pingree said.
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Primarily, there are beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) courtesy of lipo hydroxy acid (LHA), a deep-penetrating chemical exfoliant that gently sloughs off old, dead cells to reveal brighter, fresher skin.
Cite this Entry
“Flounder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flounder. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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