stumbled; stumbling
ˈstəm-b(ə-)liŋ 
1
a
: to fall into sin or waywardness
b
: to make an error : blunder
c
: to come to an obstacle to belief
2
: to trip in walking or running
3
a
: to walk unsteadily or clumsily
b
: to speak or act in a hesitant or faltering manner
4
a
: to come unexpectedly or by chance
stumble onto the truth
b
: to fall or move carelessly
Examples of stumble in a Sentence
Verb
I stumbled on the uneven pavement.
The horse stumbled and almost fell.
He stumbled drunkenly across the room.
He stumbled over to the table.
I heard him stumble over the unfamiliar words.
She stumbled through an apology.
The economy has stumbled in recent months.
Noun
was his hurtful remark a regrettable stumble, or was it made with artful intention?
has bones so brittle that a minor stumble could result in a serious break
Recent Examples on the Web
Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
In Season 1, the publication of Lee’s latest exposé – a deep dive into the powerful Washberg family – is immediately followed by the suspicious suicide of Dale Washberg (Tim Blake Nelson), and Lee knows he’s stumbled onto something big.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2026
Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 12 Mar. 2026
John made a few stumbles after meeting Carolyn that nearly turned her off completely before their relationship had even begun.
—Emma Banks, InStyle, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stumble
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Verb
For a team that was once in NCAA tournament consideration before stumbling, that failure to finish was a persistent flaw.
—Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
In Season 1, the publication of Lee’s latest exposé – a deep dive into the powerful Washberg family – is immediately followed by the suspicious suicide of Dale Washberg (Tim Blake Nelson), and Lee knows he’s stumbled onto something big.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
But as Blue Owl’s stumble rattles the industry, its standing in Washington is also getting shakier.
—Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 12 Mar. 2026
John made a few stumbles after meeting Carolyn that nearly turned her off completely before their relationship had even begun.
—Emma Banks, InStyle, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stumble
Cite this Entry
“Stumble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stumble. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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