as in mistake
an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy
played the entire piano piece without a single fumble
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to blow
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way
her assistant fumbled the party plans by getting the time wrong on the invitations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to grope
to search for something blindly or uncertainly
the librarian fumbled for the light switch as she entered the dark room
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to stumble
to make a mistake
just when it looked like he was going to get away with the ruse, he fumbled
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fumble
Hilary Gowins,
Chicago Tribune,
13 June 2026
Despite a record-flirting sack season and excellent production against the run in 2025, the Broncos tied for the second-fewest fumbles recovered of any NFL defense last year.
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Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
9 June 2026
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
OnlyFans fumbled a previous version of this dilemma.
—
Gustavo Turner,
HollywoodReporter,
17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for fumble
Noun
The Arlington Heights mayor shares his thoughts on Illinois’ Bears fumble.
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Hilary Gowins,
Chicago Tribune,
13 June 2026
Despite a record-flirting sack season and excellent production against the run in 2025, the Broncos tied for the second-fewest fumbles recovered of any NFL defense last year.
—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
9 June 2026
Verb
After South Korea’s goalkeeper fumbled a ball, Luis Romo scored the goal that gave the Mexicans six points and pushed them to the top of the standings.
—
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
OnlyFans fumbled a previous version of this dilemma.
—
Gustavo Turner,
HollywoodReporter,
17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for fumble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fumble
Noun
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That ended his day after five innings of one-run ball, with just one mistake — a slider that Manny Machado clobbered for a solo homer — against him.
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Will this turn into a tragic mistake Daemon soon regrets?
Verb
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Finally, during penalties, Paraguay was up 3-2 and needed to make only one more kick before missing its last two, nearly blowing the match.
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The sobering reality, however, is that this is a 35-48 team that already has been blown too far off course.
Verb
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The juvenile was allegedly approached by a man who tried starting a conversation and groped them.
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In each incident, women were standing alone when the attacker grabbed them from behind and groped them, police said.
Verb
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Scientists have stumbled on a rare dinosaur fossil from Antarctica, tucked away for decades in a drawer.
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However, Portugal stumbled in its opening match, managing only a 1–1 draw against the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Noun
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Sometimes this was committed to good, such as the Marshall Plan and the Peace Corps, and sometimes to ill, as in a series of military blunders meant to quash godless Communism.
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has also fallen foul of Germany’s World Cup elimination by Paraguay, after stumbling into a social media debacle following a communications blunder.
Verb
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Balogun’s fancy footwork broke a scoreless deadlock 45 minutes into the action, booting a left-footed shot through the goalie’s outstretched legs.
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On Saturday, the reality star — who was booted from the show mere days after entering the Villa as a bombshell — shared a TikTok addressing her abrupt departure.
Verb
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For the best chance of seeing them, move away from city lights, lie flat on your back and look toward the southern sky near the Aquarius constellation, NASA says.
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Mann’s bag appears to be from Chanel, and looks a lot like this $10k pick in particular.
Verb
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Mysterio tripped Page onto the second rope, but Page cut off Rey Mysterio with a big boot as Rey attempted a 619.
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Neural pathways controlling core bodily functions — feeling in the limbs, movement and breathing — were collapsing one by one, like circuit breakers tripping in rapid succession.
Cite this Entry
“Fumble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fumble. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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