1
as in stumbled
to proceed or act clumsily or ineffectually
unprepared choristers who floundered helplessly through the musical number
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shuffled
to move heavily or clumsily
the car floundered through the heavy wet snow, constantly getting stuck
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of floundered
Harris didn’t add a bat, and the offense floundered in August and September.
—
Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 3 June 2026
The three-time batting champion has thrived in areas where the Padres have floundered.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026
That mission has floundered in recent weeks with the departure of politicians who were key to the coalition agreement.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 29 May 2026
The Broncos faltered in the snow, the Nuggets floundered on the hardwood, and now the Avalanche fail on ice.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 29 May 2026
But his solo career has floundered.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 29 May 2026
But where the movie floundered, the soundtrack – co-produced by Electric Light Orchestra maestro Jeff Lynne – flourished.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 15 May 2026
After Ana was caught driving without a license and deported in September, her daughter stopped eating and floundered in school.
—Caitlin Dickerson, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026
Despite the presence of Super Bowl 59 MVP Jalen Hurts, 2024 offensive player of the year Saquon Barkley and All-Pro receiver AJ Brown, the offense floundered with Patullo at the helm.
—Miami Herald, 14 May 2026
Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 3 June 2026
The three-time batting champion has thrived in areas where the Padres have floundered.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026
That mission has floundered in recent weeks with the departure of politicians who were key to the coalition agreement.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 29 May 2026
The Broncos faltered in the snow, the Nuggets floundered on the hardwood, and now the Avalanche fail on ice.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 29 May 2026
But his solo career has floundered.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 29 May 2026
But where the movie floundered, the soundtrack – co-produced by Electric Light Orchestra maestro Jeff Lynne – flourished.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 15 May 2026
After Ana was caught driving without a license and deported in September, her daughter stopped eating and floundered in school.
—Caitlin Dickerson, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026
Despite the presence of Super Bowl 59 MVP Jalen Hurts, 2024 offensive player of the year Saquon Barkley and All-Pro receiver AJ Brown, the offense floundered with Patullo at the helm.
—Miami Herald, 14 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for floundered
Verb
-
Weiss, best known for her work as an opinion journalist and the launch of her site The Free Press, has stumbled in her new role in large part due to a lack of experience with TV operations.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
9 June 2026
-
In the fall of 1995, hunters stumbled on Josette’s bones in the woods near rural Carmel, an hour north of the Bronx.—
Paul Solotaroff,
Rolling Stone,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
But remember, most airlines continue to assign seats throughout the check-in process, and seats might be shuffled by gate agents to accommodate families and other travelers who need special attention.—
Jessica Puckett,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
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While many of the brand’s lifestyle models are frequently shuffled in and out of production, the 9060 has held on as a staple of the brand’s lineup nearly four years after its retail debut.—
Riley Jones,
Footwear News,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
Jalen Brunson has 19 points to lead New York, but the Knicks have struggled to avoid fouls on defense and struggled to make foul shots on the other end.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
11 June 2026
-
Rushing out onto the beach, George struggled to comprehend what had happened.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
The emphasis on winning to keep kids signed up and continue making money has stomped creativity out of American players, who are encouraged to play safely to ensure results instead of developing a players’ feel for the game.—
Andy Yamashita,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 June 2026
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Evidence presented at trial showed Wallace threw the victim to the ground, repeatedly punched and stomped him, and searched his pockets before taking his wallet and other belongings, the DA’s office said.—
Bay City News Service,
Mercury News,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Floundered.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/floundered. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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