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
Fernando Ramirez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
Indeed, the Braves overcame an early 5-1 deficit in the series opener Tuesday with four runs in the fourth inning to tie the score, only to give it right back on a night when Spencer Strider stumbled, tying a career high with eight runs allowed in four innings.
—David O'Brien, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
Devin Robertson, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
The ability to respond quickly, with coordination and confidence, is what separates a stumble from a scandal.
—Heather Wishart-Smith, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stumble
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Verb
The Wave have been fortunate that Orlando and Washington have also stumbled, keeping the gap small.
—Fernando Ramirez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
Indeed, the Braves overcame an early 5-1 deficit in the series opener Tuesday with four runs in the fourth inning to tie the score, only to give it right back on a night when Spencer Strider stumbled, tying a career high with eight runs allowed in four innings.
—David O'Brien, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
Golden State Valkyries Last: 9 | Upcoming: CHI (8/15), ATL (8/17), PHX (8/19), PHX (8/22)
After a bit of a stumble, the Valkyries is flying high lately.
—Devin Robertson, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
The ability to respond quickly, with coordination and confidence, is what separates a stumble from a scandal.
—Heather Wishart-Smith, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stumble
Cite this Entry
“Stumble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stumble. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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