as in clumsy
showing or marked by a lack of skill and tact (as in dealing with a situation)
my future father-in-law shook his head over my fumbled attempt to compliment his daughter
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in blew
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 looked
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 stumbled
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
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Recent Examples of fumbled
Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2025
ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026
Critics say the Epstein files show how Republican and Democratic administrations alike fumbled the Epstein investigation over two decades, leaving potential coconspirators uncharged.
—Curt Devine, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
In the 88th minute, Neuer fumbled a routine shot and allowed Joselu to equalise.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Fans were exiting en masse in the top of the ninth when Frelick’s RBI single off Rule 5 rookie Ryan Watson, fumbled by reigning AL Gold Glove centerfielder Ceddanne Rafaela, increased Milwaukee’s lead to three.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 7 Apr. 2026
The Storm had the Inter&Co Stadium crowd of 11,127 people on their feet early after Columbus fumbled the opening kickoff and safety Josh Minkins jumped on it to give the Storm their initial possession inside the 30-yard line.
—Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026
As the years went by, judges complained that the city’s in-house lawyers had fumbled key casework.
—Joe Mahr, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
In the second inning, well before his ninth-inning blunder, Burger fumbled an infield pop-up from García with two outs.
—Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 28 Mar. 2026
On Thursday, March 26, 2026, Tony Award nominee Christopher Jackson stepped up to the mic at Citi Field for the New York Mets’ opening night game — and fumbled one of the most iconic lines in the song.
—Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
In the preseason opener, Mahomes was on the field for three snaps after the Chiefs recovered a fumbled kickoff to open the game.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2025
Verb
Trailing to Jule Brand's 19th-minute goal for record eight-time champion Lyon, Arsenal was gifted an equalizer in the 59th when Mariona Caldentey's low free kick into the area was fumbled backward by goalkeeper Christiane Endler and onto the post.
—ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026
Critics say the Epstein files show how Republican and Democratic administrations alike fumbled the Epstein investigation over two decades, leaving potential coconspirators uncharged.
—Curt Devine, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
In the 88th minute, Neuer fumbled a routine shot and allowed Joselu to equalise.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Fans were exiting en masse in the top of the ninth when Frelick’s RBI single off Rule 5 rookie Ryan Watson, fumbled by reigning AL Gold Glove centerfielder Ceddanne Rafaela, increased Milwaukee’s lead to three.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 7 Apr. 2026
The Storm had the Inter&Co Stadium crowd of 11,127 people on their feet early after Columbus fumbled the opening kickoff and safety Josh Minkins jumped on it to give the Storm their initial possession inside the 30-yard line.
—Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026
As the years went by, judges complained that the city’s in-house lawyers had fumbled key casework.
—Joe Mahr, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
In the second inning, well before his ninth-inning blunder, Burger fumbled an infield pop-up from García with two outs.
—Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 28 Mar. 2026
On Thursday, March 26, 2026, Tony Award nominee Christopher Jackson stepped up to the mic at Citi Field for the New York Mets’ opening night game — and fumbled one of the most iconic lines in the song.
—Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fumbled
Adjective
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Furthermore, Sharpe spent six months learning how to tinkle the ivories, an impressive commitment which pays off during the pivotal piano battles and ensures a welcome absence of clumsy cutaways from fingers to face.—
Jon O'Brien,
IndieWire,
8 May 2026
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Then with a little nudging, the clumsy newborn finds the udder bulging between the cow’s back legs and hungrily suckles colostrum so critical for its first feeding.—
Susan Koch,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
Verb
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That changed at the same venue last Saturday, when Arteta’s side blew Fulham away.—
Ayo Akinwolere,
New York Times,
10 May 2026
-
The Rockies blew leads of 6-0 and 7-2, but rallied to beat the Phillies 9-7 in 11 innings on Friday night at Citizens Bank Park.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
9 May 2026
Verb
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For one night, the Mets looked like the team they’re supposed to be.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Magic superstar Tracy McGrady was playing at an MVP level, and Orlando looked faster, freer and flat-out better.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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With Colorado on the power play, the Avs icon lost the puck near the Minnesota blue line and stumbled while retreating.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
4 May 2026
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But Musk stumbled at least seven times in ways that possibly put his chances at winning in jeopardy.—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Cohen offered limited clarity on the structure during what at times was a combative and awkward interview, repeatedly directing viewers to the company's website for details.—
Yun Li,Anniek Bao,Annie Palmer,
CNBC,
4 May 2026
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The awkward catching-up process turns into energetic conversations about race, relationships, class, status and rehabilitation, then shifts to deep familial spiritual bonding.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
4 May 2026
Verb
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Critics also complain that Dodge, known for its muscle cars, muffed its transition to hybrid power systems.—
Aldo Svaldi,
Denver Post,
1 Feb. 2026
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But early in the second half, with the Seahawks leading 17-13, Smith muffed another kick and the Seahawks recovered the ball.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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That comes as the number of people who have died in immigration custody has reached an all-time high for the fiscal year.—
Ximena Bustillo,
NPR,
7 May 2026
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Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Mike Pekara said that after metal handcuffs were removed so a CT scan could be conducted, Talley reached under a blanket and fatally shot Officer John Bartholomew in the face.—
Michael Tobin,
FOXNews.com,
7 May 2026
Verb
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The boy tried to run away but tripped and the beaver bit him on the upper thigh and continued to attack him.—
Adam England,
PEOPLE,
6 May 2026
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But a federal judge sided with Biden-era Justice Department officials that such a combination tripped antitrust rules.—
Corky Siemaszko,
NBC news,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fumbled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fumbled. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
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