as in uncomfortable
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in blowing
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 groping
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 stumbling
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 fumbling
Adjective
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The family lives on the 18th floor of a high-rise building and getting into the underground garage that doubles as a bomb shelter during Russian attacks is an uncomfortable experience.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
15 June 2025 -
The other panelists and the show's host all tried to move past the comedian's uncomfortable move and go on with the show.—
Julia Moore,
People.com,
12 June 2025
Adjective
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Launched in December 2024 by Mekong Kingdoms, this 13-suite wooden cruiser offers a deeply relaxing way to experience life along the Mekong between Luang Prabang and Vientiane.—
Lauren Mowery,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
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With vintage terrazzo flooring, coffered ceilings, built in clean-line wooden wardrobes, and minimalist decor, this spot is a midcentury Italian dream, softened by the country charm of its setting, not far from the historic village of Gravedona.—
Madeline Weinfield,
Architectural Digest,
17 June 2025
Verb
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Panama was first to appear onto the pitch after the halftime break, looking spirited and hungry for the second half.—
Felipe Cardenas,
The Athletic,
24 Mar. 2025
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The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is looking for volunteers for its annual tree-planting event next month.—
Isaac Avilucea,
Axios,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Don't Use An Extension Cord In general, extension cords aren't a great idea because of the tripping hazard and the potential for overheating.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
5 Jan. 2025
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For older people with weaker bones, tripping while walking can sometimes cause a fracture.—
Maggie Aime, MSN,
Health,
25 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Meanwhile, the opposite is true in the United States, where the equity risk premium is hitting decade lows, and equity markets are reaching all-time highs.—
Brendan Ahern,
Forbes,
8 Jan. 2025
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Hollis is reaching across the doorway, grasping for a knife Richard clutches in his hands.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Hiccup, played this time with game and gawky charm by Mason Thames, has been raised to think the only solution to violence is more violence.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2025
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The director chose teen star Mason Thames, who doesn’t look much like a gawky misfit, though his body language speaks volumes (essentially, what Jay Baruchel’s warbly voice once did).—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
9 June 2025
Adjective
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The cornerstones of maps’ data pools are satellite images and a tireless fleet of Street View cars that roam with ungainly camera hats, constantly refreshing neighborhood-level detail.—
Sonya Bennett-Brandt,
AFAR Media,
25 June 2025
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The resulting Cheetah was, frankly, an ungainly machine, more like an oversized four-wheel ATV than a Ford Bronco or Mercedes G-Wagen.—
Will Sabel Courtney,
Robb Report,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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Herbert includes a range of moments, from earnest attempts to talk about the enslaved people that maintained all these palatial homes to clumsier ones in which they are referred to as workers, insinuating that their labor was paid for instead of forced.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
HollywoodReporter,
20 June 2025
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The aftermath of Virginia’s clumsy tumble into a rose bed where her exposed cleavage is profusely pricked by thorns lasts for all of one scene.—
Courtney Howard,
Variety,
16 June 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Fumbling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fumbling. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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