mumbo jumbo

noun

ˌməm-bō-ˈjəm-(ˌ)bō How to pronounce mumbo jumbo (audio)
Definition of mumbo jumbonext
as in nonsense
unintelligible or meaningless talk the soothsayer's predictions were nothing but mumbo jumbo

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 mumbo jumbo But besides all the business mumbo jumbo, there is nothing like doing comedy for a live audience and getting that feedback and that energy. — Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 10 July 2025 This is the familiar mumbo jumbo that Hollywood loves to attach to surfing, to highlight the metaphysical connection that surfers have to the waves, the ocean, and maybe even the cosmos. — Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 4 Mar. 2025 Trying to decode that spirit's mystical mumbo jumbo into actionable intelligence is a key part of your effort against the Dreamscourge. — Ars Technica, 13 Feb. 2025 Strong actors also can’t prop up a script built out of barely penetrable mumbo jumbo. — David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for mumbo jumbo
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mumbo jumbo
  1. nonsense
  2. babble
  3. double Dutch
  4. prattle
  5. chatter
  6. jabber
  7. blah
Noun
  • The nonsense began last year as a stunt tied to a cryptocurrency group, but more recently has been linked to groups protesting league policies.
    — Greg Cote August 23, Miami Herald, 23 Aug. 2026
  • This nonsense with Canada should have never gone into effect.
    — Ian Thomas, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of nonsense
Noun
  • Companies modelled after Mary Kay that have reprised empowerment babble for their founders’ gain are mentioned but receive scarce judgment.
    — Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 15 July 2026
  • The film almost completely drops any and all scientific babble from the book in favor of character development, action sequences, and emotional gut punches.
    — Matthew Razak, Space.com, 23 Mar. 2026
Definition of babble
Noun
  • As a Black woman who grew up in New York City in the late ’90s and early aughts, double Dutch has always been near and dear to my heart.
    — Sonaiya Kelley, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2024
  • Being Black is a birthright privilege, and a rite of passage, like learning how to parallel park or double Dutch.
    — Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 3 June 2024
Definition of double Dutch
Noun
  • The Korean Football Association was furious, responding to this juvenile, but ultimately harmless, prattle by boycotting the Korean press.
    — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 24 June 2026
  • Some of the prattle can feel like treading water, a delaying tactic until the inevitable confrontation scene.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
Definition of prattle
Noun
  • That was Gardner’s first game with the Colts after being acquired from the New York Jets, and while Indy pulled out the OT victory, Gardner was still annoyed by some of the social media chatter afterward.
    — James Boyd, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • For all the chatter about the Georgia wide receiver position this month, Kirby Smart notes that success for that group can’t be self-made.
    — Connor Riley, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of chatter
Noun
  • Some children clustered there to jabber and run madly about, while others just wanted attention and knew how to get it.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
  • And given that these are not professional actors, or even (in most cases) people who aspire to be, LaBeouf’s words to them, full of deadly serious jabber about empathy and ego, are pumped up with an intensity that feels overdone and inappropriate.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 19 May 2025
Definition of jabber
Noun
  • There's been some good, but, generally, it's just been sort of blah.
    — Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • That’s where all the problems come from—the shrinkage, the color, blah, blah, blah.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of blah

Browse Nearby Words

mumbling
mumbo jumbo
mummer
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Cite this Entry

“Mumbo jumbo.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mumbo%20jumbo. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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