as in fumbled
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way
muffed the repair job and had to do it again
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Recent Examples of muffed
Critics also complain that Dodge, known for its muscle cars, muffed its transition to hybrid power systems.
—
Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2026
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, 26 Jan. 2026
One month after firing the coordinator responsible for the league's worst unit (per EPA), the Rams muffed a third-quarter punt that gave Seattle a short field and a subsequent 24-13 lead.
—Dianna Russini, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Robinson muffed the second-half kickoff to pin the 49ers at their 12.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 4 Jan. 2026
Moments later, Cody Hagen muffed the ensuing kickoff, and the Yellow Jackets recovered.
—Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 29 Dec. 2025
However, Cincinnati muffed a punt that allowed TCU to take over at the Cincinnati 33-yard line.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Nov. 2025
The Browns got into the red zone quickly after Bryce Baringer muffed a 15-yard punt.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2026
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, 26 Jan. 2026
One month after firing the coordinator responsible for the league's worst unit (per EPA), the Rams muffed a third-quarter punt that gave Seattle a short field and a subsequent 24-13 lead.
—Dianna Russini, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Robinson muffed the second-half kickoff to pin the 49ers at their 12.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 4 Jan. 2026
Moments later, Cody Hagen muffed the ensuing kickoff, and the Yellow Jackets recovered.
—Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 29 Dec. 2025
However, Cincinnati muffed a punt that allowed TCU to take over at the Cincinnati 33-yard line.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Nov. 2025
The Browns got into the red zone quickly after Bryce Baringer muffed a 15-yard punt.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for muffed
Verb
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In the 88th minute, Neuer fumbled a routine shot and allowed Joselu to equalise.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
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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
Verb
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In the messages, Hooker said that the wind blew him and Lynette apart.—
Kerry Breen,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
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Neighbors and other observers in the area blew whistles, honked horns and yelled outrage, with some recording the detention from a distance, but the agents — wearing military-style fatigues and equipment — got the 57-year-old into a vehicle and drove away.—
Mark Vancleave,
Twin Cities,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Muffed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/muffed. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
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