as in overwhelmed
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Dissimilar Words
1
as in lurched
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
2
as in hesitated
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
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Recent Examples of staggered
Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 17 Jan. 2026
Food banks in South and West Texas will receive staggered amounts, according to the size and needs of each region.
—Imelda García, Dallas Morning News, 15 Jan. 2026
Slot tweaked his mid-block shape from a 4-2-4 (or 4-4-2) to a staggered 4-3-3 at times in the early part of the season, albeit with less frequency in recent weeks.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026
Each residence has a private entrance and dedicated parking, a layout that works well during peak season, when guests and staff tend to come and go on staggered schedules.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 14 Jan. 2026
Because of staggered terms, there is no election this year for District 6.
—Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
The structure is a bit tricksier, flipping between the present — which finds our two inevitable lovers estranged and in their early thirties — and a staggered series of flashbacks catching up to it.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 8 Jan. 2026
Supply chain analysts say staggered launches offer practical benefits.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Jan. 2026
Instead of the more typical block-type apartment buildings found throughout San Diego County, the building has setbacks and staggered edges on its exterior.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Dec. 2025
Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026
The Bills had a pretty cushy road schedule this year, playing once outside the Eastern time zone, yet staggered around early.
—Tim Graham, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
The Packers staggered to the finish with a four-game losing streak but will have quarterback Jordan Love (concussion) back.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
When oil prices slid and mismanagement came due, the country staggered into hyperinflation, shortages, and mass migration, culminating in a full‑blown humanitarian crisis that outlived Chávez and deepened under his successor, Nicolás Maduro.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Jan. 2026
Construction will be staggered to avoid too many simultaneous trail closures, officials said.
—Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
Typically, remains were exposed prior to cremation, and individual burials were staggered over time.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 21 Dec. 2025
Board members will generally serve four-year terms, but the inaugural board will include some two-year appointments so that terms are staggered.
—Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 19 Dec. 2025
Our on/off relationship with Carrie Bradshaw finally staggered off its Peloton, though the image of Aidan jerking off in his truck left us feeling as tarnished as a White Lotus blender.
—Raven Smith, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2025
Adjective
For example, properties like S Hotel Montego Bay and nearby Excellence Oyster Bay are currently open, while others remain on staggered timelines.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 17 Jan. 2026
Food banks in South and West Texas will receive staggered amounts, according to the size and needs of each region.
—Imelda García, Dallas Morning News, 15 Jan. 2026
Slot tweaked his mid-block shape from a 4-2-4 (or 4-4-2) to a staggered 4-3-3 at times in the early part of the season, albeit with less frequency in recent weeks.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026
Each residence has a private entrance and dedicated parking, a layout that works well during peak season, when guests and staff tend to come and go on staggered schedules.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 14 Jan. 2026
Because of staggered terms, there is no election this year for District 6.
—Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
The structure is a bit tricksier, flipping between the present — which finds our two inevitable lovers estranged and in their early thirties — and a staggered series of flashbacks catching up to it.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 8 Jan. 2026
Supply chain analysts say staggered launches offer practical benefits.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Jan. 2026
Instead of the more typical block-type apartment buildings found throughout San Diego County, the building has setbacks and staggered edges on its exterior.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Dec. 2025
Verb
Whether opting for the Chef’s tasting menu or à la carte, every plate feels like a little artwork—from the olive, anise, and fennel bread staggered on podiums to the sweet finale (expect imaginative combinations such as a honey milk and hay pudding).
—Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026
The Bills had a pretty cushy road schedule this year, playing once outside the Eastern time zone, yet staggered around early.
—Tim Graham, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
The Packers staggered to the finish with a four-game losing streak but will have quarterback Jordan Love (concussion) back.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
When oil prices slid and mismanagement came due, the country staggered into hyperinflation, shortages, and mass migration, culminating in a full‑blown humanitarian crisis that outlived Chávez and deepened under his successor, Nicolás Maduro.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Jan. 2026
Construction will be staggered to avoid too many simultaneous trail closures, officials said.
—Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
Typically, remains were exposed prior to cremation, and individual burials were staggered over time.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 21 Dec. 2025
Board members will generally serve four-year terms, but the inaugural board will include some two-year appointments so that terms are staggered.
—Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 19 Dec. 2025
Our on/off relationship with Carrie Bradshaw finally staggered off its Peloton, though the image of Aidan jerking off in his truck left us feeling as tarnished as a White Lotus blender.
—Raven Smith, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for staggered
Adjective
-
Experts across food, beverage, design, and lifestyle agree—guests want to feel transported, considered, and cared for without hosts feeling overwhelmed.—
Colleen Sullivan,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Hospitals in the region were quickly overwhelmed, prompting some burn victims to be transferred to facilities in neighboring countries, including France.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The relentless Chacon lurched outside after her just as his car door opened and out popped their 6-year-old son, begging his dad to stop.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
7 Jan. 2026
-
New year optimism was certainly in short supply inside Anfield as the mood lurched from restlessness to exasperation and then anger.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
2 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
As investors watched closely, even Republicans who hesitated to condemn the probe were careful to extol the virtues of an independent central bank.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
13 Jan. 2026
-
The insider says Richie never hesitated to leave his residences in California or Hawaii at a moment’s notice to return to New Jersey.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The movie took liberties, but White's fight for Stuart to be a mouse-like boy is an important part of his history, even if some are bewildered by it.—
Angela Andaloro,
PEOPLE,
13 Dec. 2025
-
Uma is bewildered at this new world, while Gopal can’t so much as look at her.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
1 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Pass protection faltered, the run game stalled and Love couldn’t find a rhythm through the air as Green Bay welcomed Chicago back into the game and the Bears once again took advantage to end their archrival’s season in stunning fashion.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Traffic in restaurants faltered, as budget-conscious customers ate out less often and spent less.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
She was later reunited with her dog, stroking him in stunned silence before being taken to the hospital.—
Danielle Bacher,
PEOPLE,
20 Jan. 2026
-
The stunned Rams went three-and-out on their first overtime possession, a team with a future Hall of Fame quarterback surrendering with three runs that were indicative of questionable McVay play-calling throughout the game.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Empty boxes were stacked along a side wall in the locker room as players shuffled in and out to pack up a season’s worth of shirts and jerseys and cleats and memorabilia.—
Nicki Jhabvala,
New York Times,
6 Jan. 2026
-
First, the sophomore shuffled back into coverage after showing A-gap pressure to intercept a Bryce Underwood pass over the middle of the field, ending a key fourth-quarter drive.—
David Eckert,
Austin American Statesman,
1 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The fun of this drink starts, of course, with the name, which weighs in at 11 words (and one punctuation mark) and with which people tend to be both amused and bemused.—
Jason O'Bryan,
Robb Report,
17 Jan. 2026
-
What Happens Next As of now, MrBeast has not indicated any serious intention to involve himself in the NewJeans dispute beyond his bemused Twitter response.—
Hannah Abraham,
Forbes.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Staggered.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/staggered. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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