as in to fumble
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way
bungled the job the first time she tried to do it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of bungle
Preston Fore, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2025
Devan Coggan, EW.com, 3 Aug. 2025
Whither Pluto? One of the biggest TV-industry crimes of the current decade has been how the last couple of regimes at Paramount have bungled their ownership of free streamer Pluto TV.
—Chris Lee, Vulture, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for bungle
Verb
The admission is just the latest bungle from New York’s beleaguered legal marijuana program, which has been hamstrung by legal challenges, a slow rollout and gaps in the law that allowed an illicit market to flourish.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
Too bad 2016's epic nonstarter bungles its smash-up with spinoff teases, Iron Man 2's government-oversight plot, and whatever Lois Lane (Amy Adams) is doing with that bullet.
—Devan Coggan, EW.com, 3 Aug. 2025
Whither Pluto? One of the biggest TV-industry crimes of the current decade has been how the last couple of regimes at Paramount have bungled their ownership of free streamer Pluto TV.
—Chris Lee, Vulture, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for bungle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bungle
Verb
-
Saints, Panthers Arizona somehow turned an interception into a touchdown for their opponent and fumbled away another sure touchdown in a bad, bad loss on Sunday.—
Chad Graff,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
-
After multiple punts, Keon Coleman, Allen’s trusty wide receiver, uncharacteristically fumbled later in the first quarter as well.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
During last week's WWE SmackDown, a series of mistakes and botches drew harsh criticism from fans.—
Matthew Couden,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
-
This might seem like a minor quibble, but the fact that the new movie botches the whole wait-what-did-they-actually-do-last-summer thing speaks to a prevailing sense of laziness.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
16 July 2025
Verb
-
But then a ref blew the whistle as the buzzer sounded, giving Duke two meaningless free throws while up by four.—
Paul Solotaroff,
Rolling Stone,
12 Oct. 2025
-
The two shared a playful moment, dancing together before Charli slipped her sunglasses onto Role Model’s face, blew him a kiss, and made her exit.—
Mitchell Peters,
Billboard,
12 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The Chiefs may have been a Bolton-bobble away from keeping that streak alive in Jacksonville.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
9 Oct. 2025
-
One bobble, one slip, and a cyclist may be passed by a dozen others.—
Frederick Dreier,
Outside,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Or pursue the rancid criminal element across the galaxy as a bounty hunter, making your fortune by ruining bad guys' lives.—
Alan Bradley,
Space.com,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Nothing ruins a trip faster than your suitcase not showing up at baggage claim, right?—
Emily Belfiore,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
THR‘s top international influencers list dubs Hague, proud owner of fashion brand Maebe, Britain’s answer to Kim Kardashian.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Oct. 2025
-
Our Travel + Leisure editors have tested 56 pieces of Samsonite luggage, and dubbed this bag the brand’s best carry-on thanks to its lightweight construction, interior organizational features, and smooth-rolling wheels.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bungle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bungle. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share