as in to fumble
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in jumble
an unorganized collection or mixture of various things
this police procedural is basically a botch of plot elements stolen from other (and better) novels
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of botch
Josh Levin, The Atlantic, 5 Dec. 2025
The episode ends with Hegseth botching the Peter Thiel extraction and ending up in jail himself right alongside Thiel.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 27 Nov. 2025
Fred Katz, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Of the other methods – including electrocution, lethal gas and hanging – lethal injection had the highest botch rate of more than 7%.
‘An embrace of brutality’
Still, states have remained averse to the firing squad, a position that experts who spoke to CNN believe stems from its overt violence.
—Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for botch
Verb
This year in Canada, Winnipeg botched an extra point in its 36–23 victory over Edmonton.
—Josh Levin, The Atlantic, 5 Dec. 2025
The episode ends with Hegseth botching the Peter Thiel extraction and ending up in jail himself right alongside Thiel.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 27 Nov. 2025
Noun
Those communication botches, whether on the break or in the half court, often include Towns, who once again vanished as a scorer.
—Fred Katz, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Of the other methods – including electrocution, lethal gas and hanging – lethal injection had the highest botch rate of more than 7%.
‘An embrace of brutality’
Still, states have remained averse to the firing squad, a position that experts who spoke to CNN believe stems from its overt violence.
—Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for botch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for botch
Verb
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Ball security The Hurricanes have fumbled the ball four times in the past two games and lost two of them — one apiece by Malachi Toney (first round against Texas A&M) and Fletcher (quarterfinal against Ohio State).—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
7 Jan. 2026
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Herbert, who threw four interceptions in his last postseason appearance, fumbled five times after only coughing up the ball twice in his first 12 games this season.—
Greg Dudek,
Boston Herald,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The result also spotlights conference championships’ awkward fit in the current system, particularly given the fact that conference expansion has led to jumbles atop each league’s standings.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
7 Dec. 2025
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Ray’s most chaotic photograms—jumbles that push out of the frame or look like time bombs ready to explode—find echoes in his films, projected on the back walls, a show in themselves.—
Vince Aletti,
New Yorker,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
12 Jan. 2026
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Somehow, this new sensation emitted an awareness of the magnitude in which skateboarding would warp my life, which only ratcheted up the anxiety of blowing it.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Head to Chocolate Meltdown and sample a variety of treats that'll be sure to please your sweet tooth.—
Caroline Ritzie,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Jan. 2026
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Delhomme was interviewed by Observer columnist Scott Fowler, who in 17 minutes probed the Panthers Hall of Honor inductee on a variety of topics.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The last time the two sides couldn’t come to an agreement resulted in the 2012 debacle with replacement referees, where multiple late-game decisions were bungled due to the inexperience of the substitutes.—
Tyler Erzberger,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Dec. 2025
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At that point, the day had been characterized by sloppiness and frustration, with Bears pass catchers failing to secure at least a half-dozen catchable throws from their quarterback and, on three occasions, bungling fourth-down opportunities.—
Dan Wiederer,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
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As Spring told Fortune, Macy’s recent success—including its best quarter for sales growth in three years—is thanks to a playbook focused on less store clutter, a more focused assortment of products and brands, and more staffing in key departments such as women’s shoes and dresses.—
Phil Wahba,
Fortune,
7 Nov. 2025
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Passive funds are attractive because, with their investment fees typically running ~80% lower than active funds, they’re viewed as a cheaper way to own a diverse assortment of stocks.—
Mark Dent,
HubSpot,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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And, from this week’s issue, Nicola Twilley’s reporting on another lingering effect of the wildfires—smoke taint that is ruining grapes and threatening California’s wine industry.—
Dana Goodyear,
New Yorker,
7 Jan. 2026
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This will either change your life or ruin you.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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After applauding the win, Murphy didn’t stay to watch Hudson win her category (Best Supporting Actress) or to enjoy his costars’ medley of the film’s three Best Original Song nominees, resulting in speculation he was angered by his loss.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
3 Jan. 2026
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Here's where to base yourself while discovering Portugal's vast medley of landscapes.—
Deanna Romano,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Botch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/botch. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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