lumber 1 of 2

noun

Definition of lumbernext
as in wood
tree logs as prepared for human use a huge amount of lumber will be needed to build the house

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lumber

2 of 2

verb

ˈləm-bər How to pronounce lumber (audio)
1
as in to shuffle
to move heavily or clumsily the elephant lumbered through the jungle

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stumble
to proceed or act clumsily or ineffectually the novel's plot lumbers to its predictable conclusion after 500 long pages

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3
as in to rumble
to make a low heavy rolling sound the horse-drawn wagon lumbered along the trail

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4
as in to load
to place a weight or burden on preparations that will lumber the expedition with unnecessary equipment and supplies

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of lumber
Noun
When private forests burn, landowners salvage burned trees, turn them into lumber and replant, turning those forests green again within years. — Chris Edwards, Washington Post, 27 Sep. 2026 Kamas, Utah, a small community of about 2,100 residents at the scenic intersection of the Wasatch Range and Uinta Mountains, has long been shaped by cattle ranching and the lumber industry. — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2026
Verb
The zombie – slow moving, with sallow complexion, hollow eyes, rotting teeth and a hunger for human flesh – has been lumbering through Hollywood movies for decades now. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 15 Sep. 2026 Travis Bazzana lumbered through August, seemingly striking the proverbial rookie wall. — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lumber
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lumber
  1. wood
  2. shuffle
  3. stumble
  4. rumble
  5. load
  6. timber
  7. stomp
  8. struggle
Noun
  • Although bright whites dominate the hotel’s design, the warmth of unvarnished wood furniture does much to temper its starkness, and judicious use of pops of colour – fresh greens, yellows and florals – gives visual interest to the luxe space.
    — Julia Wytrazek, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The craftsmanship is on full display, as each spindle is made from solid wood and hand-sanded a few times to show the thorough detailing.
    — Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of wood
Verb
  • Offensive line shuffled up Dykes said in earlier in the week that TCU looked at everything throughout the program during the 2-3 start and would make the necessary adjustments to try and turn things around.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Uribe shuffled off the mound, and the crowd at American Family Field roared.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of shuffle
Verb
  • Resendiz finished strongly, sending Mazoudier stumbling backward in the final minute.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Munyon's Paw-Paw, an alcoholic beverage dating to the early 1900s, has been resurrected by two longtime spirits industry veterans who stumbled upon its unusual history during a family outing.
    — Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of stumble
Verb
  • The team brought a horse and carriage to rumble along its steep granite tracks at dawn.
    — Charley Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Rules are changing Early in the second quarter, Wilson rumbled into the lane and attempted to use his off arm to create a few inches of space before laying the ball across the rim.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of rumble
Verb
  • Later in the inning, Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia walked in the tying run (credited to starter Tyler Glasnow for having initially loaded the bases).
    — Greg Rosenstein, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Storyteller experiments with some next-generation convertible furniture designs to make the new van even more versatile and better equipped for loading up gear.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of load
Noun
  • Holcomb told the Statesman the Forest Service is looking to expand fuels-reduction work across the Boise Ridge Area, a project that would occur in phases beginning with larger timber removal.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Strategically placed, timber may not be a bad investment, according to Dorn, though that would be because of the land itself more than the timber.
    — Kevin Williams, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of timber
Verb
  • The answer isn’t between stomping the gas pedal or leaving the car parked.
    — Bob Ackerman, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Handclaps, stomping percussion and a communal chorus create the kind of infectious energy that naturally gets people moving.
    — qygwork, Billboard, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of stomp
Verb
  • Miller's attempt to recast the conversation about his divorce echoed efforts by other candidates who are struggling to overcome concerns about their character.
    — Lara Korte The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • But more than 40 countries currently struggling with financing and liquidity challenges do not have debt stocks that require imminent restructuring.
    — Masood Ahmed, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of struggle

Browse Nearby Words

lulus
lumber
lumbered
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Cite this Entry

“Lumber.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lumber. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on lumber

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lumber

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