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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bungle
Christopher Cann, USA Today, 5 June 2025
Anyone who watched Anderson and president Michael Crow bungle their way through a multi-year football crisis and show little regard for diehard fans was understandably skeptical of Crow’s decision to hire from within.
—Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 22 May 2025
Further investigation showed that the department bungled follow-up care too, failing to investigate the sources of lead exposure for some children.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 9 May 2025
The ensuing play again defensively broke down for the Giants when Gold Glove third baseman Matt Chapman bungled the ground ball off Dansby Swanson’s bat as Crow-Armstrong’s presence at third and deke home coincided with the mishandle.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for bungle
Noun
Read's defense claims he was left to die by local cops, who then purposely bungled the investigation as part of a cover up.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 5 June 2025
Anyone who watched Anderson and president Michael Crow bungle their way through a multi-year football crisis and show little regard for diehard fans was understandably skeptical of Crow’s decision to hire from within.
—Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 22 May 2025
Further investigation showed that the department bungled follow-up care too, failing to investigate the sources of lead exposure for some children.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 9 May 2025
The ensuing play again defensively broke down for the Giants when Gold Glove third baseman Matt Chapman bungled the ground ball off Dansby Swanson’s bat as Crow-Armstrong’s presence at third and deke home coincided with the mishandle.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for bungle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bungle
Verb
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Marketing gets the lead, but operations fumbles the conversion.—
Michael Fox,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
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In-ho began fumbling, accidentally letting go of the top and flinging it backwards.—
Esther Kang,
People.com,
26 June 2025
Noun
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The 10-member panel’s first time out, in 2022, was a total botch, as the process was unconstitutionally hijacked by Democrats in the Legislature until it was stopped by the state’s highest court.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
19 June 2025
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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
Verb
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That connection and warmth was obvious on Friday night, with Cardi blowing past her bedtime to give the gays, the dolls and everyone else an experience beyond what any other NYC festival provides.—
Joe Lynch,
Billboard,
28 June 2025
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Experts recommend placing window fans blowing air into your home on the coolest side of your house.—
John Tufts,
USA Today,
27 June 2025
Noun
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During the Monday, June 16, episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the actress and producer, 61, appeared in a black Stella McCartney suit covered with 3D metallic bobbles.—
Catherine Santino,
People.com,
17 June 2025
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But on one rep Monday with Allen under center, the exchange yielded a bobble and a fumble that hit the ground, which had coaches whistle the play dead immediately.—
Joe Buscaglia,
The Athletic,
29 July 2024
Verb
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However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.—
Daniella Segura,
Sacbee.com,
26 June 2025
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And just like that, Donald Trump ruined something else.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
26 June 2025
Verb
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Pitt’s Midcentury Modern home, dubbed the Steel House, is one of several owned by the movie star.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
27 June 2025
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The trio — who dub themselves the bathroom team in a nod to their past late-night trip to the toilets — hand their keys to Hyun-ju, the natural choice for leader.—
Jennifer Zhan,
Vulture,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bungle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bungle. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
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