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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of fumble
Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 2 June 2026
But several shifts in this year’s edition point to a fair still refining its identity as Paris consolidates its position as Europe’s dominant art market hub after London’s Brexit fumble.
—Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 28 May 2026
Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 2 June 2026
Given how badly Karen Bass has fumbled as mayor, Raman couldn’t do much worse.
—Sal Rodriguez, Daily News, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for fumble
Noun
Barry Pearl's fumble became a memorable insult for fans of the 1978 movie musical.
—Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 2 June 2026
But several shifts in this year’s edition point to a fair still refining its identity as Paris consolidates its position as Europe’s dominant art market hub after London’s Brexit fumble.
—Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 28 May 2026
Verb
During Miami’s two periods of special teams work Malik Washington fumbled his first kickoff return, but most of the other punt returners and kickoff returned fielded their attempts well.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 2 June 2026
Given how badly Karen Bass has fumbled as mayor, Raman couldn’t do much worse.
—Sal Rodriguez, Daily News, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for fumble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fumble
Noun
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And not to trust those results, showing examples of deepfakes, bias and rampant mistakes that will come back to bite if the students rely on the information.—
Andy Sheehan,
CBS News,
8 Dec. 2025
-
The Chiefs built a dynasty on the back of their ability to overcome their own mistakes.—
Sam McDowell
Updated December 8,
Kansas City Star,
8 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Both teams are on the field and ready to play as the whistle blows to begin the first half of what should be some exciting soccer here today.—
NBC News,
NBC news,
17 June 2026
-
Referee Nicolae Rainea blows his whistle.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
The challenge required the men to handcuff themselves to the bed while the women, in blindfolds, groped around in the dark, attempting to find their couple and handcuff themselves to him.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
9 June 2026
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The abuse included groping and fondling of the students' genitals and other acts under the guise of a medical examination.—
Jasper Ward,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
Although the discovery has only now been formally studied, cavers from the Czech Speleological Society first stumbled upon the phenomenon in 2022 during an expedition in Vromoner Canyon.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
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Uber reported strong growth in its third-quarter earnings report on Wednesday, but stumbled on the bottom line after absorbing a $479 million charge for what the company described as undisclosed legal and regulatory matters.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Read on to see the beauty blunders, silly styling and overall head-to-toe outfits that these stars regret.—
Tanisha Bhat,
PEOPLE,
9 June 2026
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The base-running blunder by Alcántara, a prospect acquired in the Anthony Rizzo trade with the New York Yankees at the 2021 trade deadline, is just one example of how this team is pressing.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
8 June 2026
Verb
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Passengers who checked in late for their flights shared their experience on social media of being booted off a plane, all because of that check-in sequence order.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Aug. 2025
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After the former manager and Jane Doe's allegations came to light, Allen was dropped by his agency, UTA, suspended by his record label BBR Music Group, and booted from his closing night spot at the annual CMA Fest in Nashville.—
Daniela Avila,
People.com,
20 Aug. 2025
Verb
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After a first round where Steve Garcia seemed to land more punches and Lopes looked hesitant, Lopes won the bout in the second round by knockout, with a furious combination of punches, starting with a right and left hand to Garcia's face.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
15 June 2026
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Just look at the initial whitewash of the Watergate scandal at Richard Nixon's library and the minimal account at Bill Clinton's library of his impeachment.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
15 June 2026
Verb
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Unfortunately, that last part seems to trip some people up.—
Amber Harding OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
14 June 2026
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Germany was awarded the penalty shot after Felix Nmecha was tripped in the box by Riechedly Bazoer.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fumble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fumble. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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