as in mistake
an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy
when she was told her information was wrong, she apologized for the flub and immediately corrected it
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to fumble
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way
added too much flour and flubbed the gravy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stumble
to make a mistake
at some point in your training you're going to flub, so don't let it rattle you
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of flub
Nicole Briese, People.com, 29 July 2025
That’s how many times French gameshow star Émilien won before losing his record-breaking 21-month streak from one flub.
—Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Aug. 2025
With the pressure of the Wanamaker Trophy hanging on them, both players flubbed birdie attempts on the first extra hole.
—Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for flub
Noun
In addition to the verbal flubs both Charles and Diana made, the groom forgot to kiss his bride following their vow exchange.
—Nicole Briese, People.com, 29 July 2025
That’s how many times French gameshow star Émilien won before losing his record-breaking 21-month streak from one flub.
—Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
Verb
The film contains many poignant and humorous moments, and a number of awkward ones as the men flub most attempts to appeal to potentially interested parties.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Aug. 2025
With the pressure of the Wanamaker Trophy hanging on them, both players flubbed birdie attempts on the first extra hole.
—Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for flub
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flub
Noun
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The 49ers also made a big mistake in fielding just 10 players on the very play on which Warner was injured.—
Matt Barrows,
New York Times,
14 Oct. 2025
-
Conservative activists have spent the past forty-six years arguing that this was a terrible mistake.—
Emma Green,
New Yorker,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Coming off an open week, the Cardinal (2-4, 1-2) forced a three-and-out on defense to start the game, but Liam Thorpe fumbled the ensuing punt return to give possession back to the Mustangs (4-2, 2-0).—
Harold Gutmann,
Mercury News,
13 Oct. 2025
-
The Razorbacks fumbled 4 times and lost 3, including 2 in Tennessee territory.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Things do get more interesting when Mia stumbles upon an improbable house in the middle of the woods, occupied by a witchy old lady (Robin Bartlett).—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
13 Oct. 2025
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With upsets keeping divisional races entertaining, Week 6 offers a chance for several surprise teams to solidify their place among the contenders, and for stumbling powerhouses to stop their slides before things get out of hand.—
J.J. Bailey,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Despite that big blunder, McMillan bounced back with his first career touchdown on the next series.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Oct. 2025
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Against Brent Venables’ otherwise elite defense, Arch Manning had a nicely tidy day, completing 21 of 27 passes with no major blunders and 200 total yards.—
Sam Settleman,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
But then a ref blew the whistle as the buzzer sounded, giving Duke two meaningless free throws while up by four.—
Paul Solotaroff,
Rolling Stone,
12 Oct. 2025
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The two shared a playful moment, dancing together before Charli slipped her sunglasses onto Role Model’s face, blew him a kiss, and made her exit.—
Mitchell Peters,
Billboard,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The boy stopped the chase after the child tripped, the other boy told deputies, according to the sheriff’s office.—
Julia Marnin,
Miami Herald,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Michkov took a tripping penalty in the game’s first minute in what was his most noticeable moment.—
Kevin Kurz,
New York Times,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
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There aren’t any obvious errors that can be laid at Darlow’s door over the past four matches.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
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Sponsors assume no responsibility for any error, omissions, interruption, deletion, defect or delay in operation with transmission, communications, line failure, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to or allegation of submissions.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
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On the opening drive of the game, the Chargers were flagged for a false start when Johnston and receiver Tre’ Harris botched a pre-snap motion.—
Daniel Popper,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
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But Team Blue ultimately squanders their lead, completely botching the puzzle as the other two tribes smoke theirs.—
Nick Caruso,
TVLine,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Flub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flub. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
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