DODDERING Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

doddering 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of doddering

as in senile

Related Words

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Dissimilar Words

doddering

2 of 2

verb

present participle of dodder

as in lurching

to move forward while swaying from side to side was doddering down the walk outside the nursing home

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 doddering

Adjective

Sure, this doddering middle-aged version of Ozzy Osbourne was every bit as much a persona as the earlier guy. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 22 July 2025 The show, which served as a precursor to such powerful reality programs as Keeping Up with The Kardashians, presented Osbourne as doddering, gibberish-spewing dad but one who adores his family unendingly. — Jim Farber, Billboard, 22 July 2025 The trio find work at the Planet Express Delivery Company, founded by Fry’s doddering descendant, Professor Hubert Farnsworth. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 21 July 2025 The secondary villain is a doddering, power-hungry elderly man with an unruly mop of hair and a flock of advisors who constantly shower him with unearned praise. — Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for doddering

Recent Examples of Synonyms for doddering

Adjective

Not long ago, a senile American president’s plan to lead democracies in a battle with autocracies was being applauded by post-1989 Atlanticists such as Anne Applebaum and Adam Michnik.

— Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026
They are being given directions by a senile old man who is losing his mind.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 22 Mar. 2026

Definition of senile

Verb

Maybe this is what the Chargers are — lurching, sputtering and unable to consistently move the football, despite an offensive overhaul packed with lofty expectations.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
One more try and the orchestra slides up the expressive contrast a few notches to intensify the feeling of lurching from mood to mood.

— Justin Davidson, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of lurching

Adjective

Shown from above, the camera steadily encroaching like the angel of death itself, is an elderly woman in a hospital bed.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2026
Wilver Blanco, 42, was shot in 2024 after police responded to a report of man seen chasing an elderly man around with a knife, possibly while under the influence of drugs.

— Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of elderly

Verb

As the deli’s surveillance video rolled, his client went from calmly standing at the counter with a bottle of Gatorade to staggering to the floor, clutching his leg and tearing at his pants.

— Alison J. Stein, HubSpot, 1 Sep. 2026
The works depicted broken figures staggering toward the viewer in ragged uniforms — in distorted sizes, giant hands and small heads.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026

Definition of staggering

Adjective

Bumping along a rocky road to the island’s highest point, the officer – one hand on the wheel of his decrepit army truck – points to Eritrea and Djibouti across the water, on the African side of the strait.

— Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026
The old guard will become increasingly decrepit, which will lead to a rash of vacancies one way or another.

— Julian G. Waller, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of decrepit

Verb

In an accompanying cartoon, Spark is caricatured as a sulking giant, tottering above the Tuscan countryside in a pair of high heels.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2026
Among them a City boy wearing three Fit-Bit-type devices, two beautiful Middle Eastern sisters, an outrageously pompous elderly American (sorry; eavesdropping), and several Imelda Marcos lookalikes, tottering out of the treatment rooms with, somehow, their elaborate hairstyles still intact.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Definition of tottering

Adjective

Somebody like Gilroy or Jeff Kober and Barry Corbin (popping up occasionally as a pair of geriatric gangsters) will come and go in situations knowingly designed to feel contrived.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026
Ossoff, seen as a potential 2028 contender, said geriatric politicians have little comprehension of AI technology.

— Jill Colvin, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of geriatric

Verb

An offseason filled with roster shuffling continued Tuesday for the Charlotte Hornets, who completed a three-player deal with Atlanta to land another guard with perimeter shooting potential.

— Staff reports, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2026
The video, made in collaboration with faceless director Lauzza, features buildings shuffling on beat and other excerpts of British culture.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of shuffling

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“Doddering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doddering. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of doddering

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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