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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fumbled
Adjective
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The clumsy use of voice-overs is more embarrassing still.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
6 June 2025 -
In the latest, a clumsy but charming young woman in Paris, struggling to become a writer and longing for Jane Austen-style romance, finally has her moment at a Jane Austen Writers’ Residency in England.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
25 May 2025
Verb
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Carson Spiers and Andrew Abbott have looked good at the back of Cincinnati's rotation.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
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Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso looked incredible in gold with a Milanese strap, as did several of the new complications, while Patek Philippe gave its Calatrava fresh momentum through subtle design evolution.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Regional flashpoints have now put China in an awkward position.—
Wesley Alexander Hill,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
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At times awkward, but mostly gorgeous, catchy and sincere.—
Darian Sahanaja,
Variety,
15 June 2025
Verb
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There had never even been a $1 trillion American company until Apple reached the milestone in 2018.—
Lev Akabas,
Sportico.com,
5 Jan. 2025
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The right hand reached down and grabbed the handle of his ‘enforcer’ and started up with it.—
Jonathan Bullington,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The charge relates to Chelsea’s protests to referee John Brooks after his decision to award Ipswich a 10th-minute penalty, with goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen judged to have tripped Liam Delap.—
Callum Davis,
The Athletic,
3 Jan. 2025
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The volunteer saw the 4-year-old run past Shin again, and Shin stuck her left foot out and tripped him, the affidavit said.—
Claire Osborn,
Austin American-Statesman,
2 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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After a botched rep of a five-on-five drill the team was running, star guard Marina Mabrey pulled the starting group into a huddle.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
5 June 2025
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When a crack appears, in the form of a recession, a botched show of force, or an élite split, the ruling order must reform, bargain, or collapse.—
Evan Osnos,
New Yorker,
26 May 2025
Verb
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From long-lasting formulas to felt pens that behave almost like calligraphy markers, there’s an option for every skill level, eye shape, and makeup mood.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
24 Apr. 2025
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Highlights include classes in spinning, dyeing and felting along with weaving, bobbin lace-making and basketry.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
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And then in Joker 2, some people complained that the movie was ruined by the images on the screen and the sounds that accompanied them.—
Lexy Perez,
The Hollywood Reporter,
6 Jan. 2025
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Believing their beloved team already ruined mock drafting for the next two months, New York Giants fans probably hope for a loss against a Philadelphia Eagles team expected to rest starters Sunday.—
Jeff Howe,
The Athletic,
4 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Fumbled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fumbled. Accessed 23 Jun. 2025.
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