FLOUNDERS Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

flounders

verb

present tense third-person singular of flounder

as in stumbles

to proceed or act clumsily or ineffectually unprepared choristers who floundered helplessly through the musical number

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as in shuffles

to move heavily or clumsily the car floundered through the heavy wet snow, constantly getting stuck

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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 flounders Henry, the principal owner, has made Kennedy the team spokesman and Kennedy said he’s not focused on his own job security as the organization flounders into obscurity. — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 11 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flounders

Verb

While going through Verity’s files, Lowen stumbles on her memoir, an alleged confession.

— Bethy Squires, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
But here, too, Wladyka stumbles, opting for a comforting but pat ending about how dance and art enliven so many lives.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of stumbles

Verb

In bonds, France’s problem is America’s problem A lot of eyes are on the French bond market right now as Paris struggles to deal with its national debt.

— Jim Edwards, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026
Today, Los Angeles struggles as productions flee to places including New Jersey, Georgia, London and Albuquerque, which are taking their turns as urban shape-shifters.

— Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of struggles

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floundering

flounders

flourish

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“Flounders.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flounders. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of flounders

verb

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