bungled

Definition of bunglednext
past tense of bungle

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of bungled Though usually a very smooth operator, Latif has bungled the latest job for his handler Mike (Laith Nakli). — Damon Wise, Deadline, 13 Sep. 2026 Citing a Pulitzer-winning New York Times investigation, the Republican argued Becerra bungled the handling of the influx of child migrants that lead thousands to be trafficked into dangerous jobs. — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2026 Sandusky has tried almost nonstop since his sentencing to have his June 22, 2012, conviction overturned, arguing first that his lawyers bungled the case. — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2026 On Monday, a judge on Staten Island temporarily blocked the city from implementing the tax due to a lawsuit brought by a group of homeowners who allege the city bungled the rollout of the tax. — Cbs New York Team, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026 For now, the press still sometimes bungled his name as Harry. — Eric Moskowitz, The Atlantic, 31 May 2026 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 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, 27 Mar. 2026 Isak’s actions were disrespectfully militant, but Newcastle damagingly bungled the situation. — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bungled
Verb
  • The rookie tight end caught seven passes for 105 yards and a touchdown in his first career start Sunday, even as the Lions beat the Jets, 31-24, after Geno Smith fumbled with seconds remaining.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The Ravens' defense came up big in the third quarter, forcing a Cowboys turnover when Ferguson fumbled a shovel pass from Prescott.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Some contractor, or postal maintenance employee, had botched the repair.
    — Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The Steelers also botched a field goal attempt and couldn’t take advantage of good field position by finishing drives with touchdowns.
    — Josh Kendall, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The defense ranked last in MLB with -58 outs above average, and All-Star closer Andrés Muñoz blew 10 saves.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Washington blew 42 saves, an MLB record, and had a number of other heartbreaking losses.
    — Danielle Allentuck, Washington Post, 27 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bungled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bungled. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster