1
as in to lurch
to move forward while swaying from side to side
I was so tired last night that I just staggered upstairs to bed without eating dinner
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to falter
to show uncertainty about the right course of action
a daunting problem that would make even the most decisive person stagger just a bit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of stagger
The two would stagger back into the house, sweaty, looking a mess and talking a mess, too.
—
Luca Evans, Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2026
Lue has tried to stagger their minutes to not overplay them.
—Janis Carr, Oc Register, 22 Mar. 2026
David staggered off and collapsed on the sidewalk, videos played this week showed.
—Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2026
Shortly afterward, the members staggered their enlistments in the military to carry out their mandatory service periods while working on solo projects as well.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stagger
Luca Evans, Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2026
Lue has tried to stagger their minutes to not overplay them.
—Janis Carr, Oc Register, 22 Mar. 2026
David staggered off and collapsed on the sidewalk, videos played this week showed.
—Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2026
Shortly afterward, the members staggered their enlistments in the military to carry out their mandatory service periods while working on solo projects as well.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stagger
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stagger
Verb
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The leftward lurch could cost Republicans control of Congress for the president’s final two years in office.—
Steve Peoples,
Fortune,
26 Mar. 2026
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Since then, the larger culture has lurched rightward, with big corporations abandoning progressive signaling in favor of…other priorities.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Washington led 111-106 with 6 1/2 minutes remaining, but the Wizards defense faltered after that.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Iran and the United States hardened their positions as a diplomatic push for a ceasefire in the Middle East war appeared to falter on Thursday.—
Jon Gambrell,
Fortune,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Models are tottering on the cobblestoned Bond Street with their heels getting stuck in the rivets.—
Nate Freeman,
Vanity Fair,
13 Feb. 2026
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Now, even that tiny effort is tottering.—
Mark Z. Barabak,
Mercury News,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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From coordinating painting, flooring and cabinet removal to troubleshooting daily obstacles during the summer, Higman answered every call, provided solutions and never hesitated to step in, according to Filamor.—
Cyril A. Reinicke,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Mar. 2026
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Alvarez, seeing his pitcher hesitate, tapped his helmet for a challenge.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The march continues to weave throughout the Plaza on its way back to Mill Creek Park as people shout various chants, blare music, pound on handheld drums and blow whistles.—
Jenna Ebbers,
Kansas City Star,
28 Mar. 2026
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Concertmaster Erin Keefe’s violin playing acted as the voice of Scheherazade in the work, weaving a tale with life-or-death urgency.—
Sheila Regan,
Twin Cities,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Kansas City Royals ace Cole Ragans stumbled off the mound in the first inning of Friday evening’s season opener at Truist Park.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
28 Mar. 2026
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Bleeding heavily, Waaler stumbles into a corridor and slowly takes his last breath as Hole, who jumped out at the floor above and ran back downstairs, watches, gun in hand.—
K.J. Yossman,
Variety,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Atlanta has no shortage of big names rolling through town this spring, but some of the most electric shows on the calendar aren’t the ones with the biggest following.—
Avery Newmark,
AJC.com,
27 Mar. 2026
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Woods’ car then rolled onto its driver’s side.—
Cody Jackson,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Royals shuffled their outfield this offseason.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
26 Mar. 2026
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The living room has been moved to the second floor in the plans and other rooms were shuffled around, though the project’s size and general design remain roughly the same.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stagger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stagger. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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