as in clumsy
showing or marked by a lack of skill and tact (as in dealing with a situation)
a botched attempt to mend relations with our disaffected European allies
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in fumbled
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way
the first time we tried to make a cake, we botched the job completely
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of botched
Joe Mahr, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
An Independence man was sentenced Tuesday to eight years in the Missouri Department of Corrections, with credit for time served, for his role in a botched drug deal in 2022 that left another man dead.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2026
ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
And botched by the officials, said Oklahoma State coach Jacie Hoyt.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for botched
Adjective
In Chicago, Sierra’s lawsuit was arguably even harder for a local government to defend than the botched Brooklyn homicide case.
—Joe Mahr, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
An Independence man was sentenced Tuesday to eight years in the Missouri Department of Corrections, with credit for time served, for his role in a botched drug deal in 2022 that left another man dead.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2026
Verb
Josh Adams botched a try chance throwing a forward pass to Botham but Botham scored off a ruck and Dan Edwards converted for 19-17.
—ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
And botched by the officials, said Oklahoma State coach Jacie Hoyt.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for botched
Recent Examples of Synonyms for botched
Adjective
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Even young Oklahoma City required a clumsy postseason audition.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
5 Apr. 2026
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The driver and his accomplice then mounted a clumsy getaway that resulted in their scooter crashing about three blocks from the scene, cops said.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In the 88th minute, Neuer fumbled a routine shot and allowed Joselu to equalise.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
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Fans were exiting en masse in the top of the ninth when Frelick’s RBI single off Rule 5 rookie Ryan Watson, fumbled by reigning AL Gold Glove centerfielder Ceddanne Rafaela, increased Milwaukee’s lead to three.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Mary Washington’s Kye Robinson attempted an awkward, off-balance shot that missed the rim and landed in the hands of teammate Colin Mitchell under the basket.—
Michael Cunningham,
AJC.com,
6 Apr. 2026
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Porsha shuts down any further messy conversations, choosing instead to focus on being a good host, ending the night with an awkward kiss with her fake boyfriend.—
Ile-Ife Okantah,
Vulture,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Apollo’s acquisition came after Verizon Communications bought Yahoo’s online operations in 2017 and then bungled an attempt to blend those services into AOL, another internet pioneer.—
Michael Liedtke,
Fortune,
29 Mar. 2026
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Apollo's acquisition came after Verizon Communications bought Yahoo's online operations in 2017 and then bungled an attempt to blend those services into AOL, another internet pioneer.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Manuel Fernandes’ goal, created by West Ham’s outstanding talisman Jarrod Bowen, was a warning, a knock on the door before the hosts blew United’s house down.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2026
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Roker blew Guthrie a kiss from the weather wall.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The three runners whose chances of victory were ruined — Jess McClain, Emma Grace Hurley and Ednah Kurgat — are now invited to compete at the 2026 World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen in September.—
Bill Chappell,
NPR,
31 Mar. 2026
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That passive-aggressive email ruined your mood, but the feedback about your project was pretty accurate.—
Jenna Ryu,
SELF,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Botched.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/botched. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
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