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
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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
as in overwhelmed
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of staggered
Johnny Dodd, People.com, 21 Dec. 2024
The collapse of the Assad Regime in Syria is the latest in a series of political and military defeats that have staggered the Kremlin.
—Daniel Markind, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Topline The blue chip Dow Jones Industrial Average staggered to its lengthiest stretch of declines since 1974, a rut marked Wednesday by a sharp broader selloff tied to a hawkish update from the Federal Reserve regarding further interest rate cuts.
—Derek Saul, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Their successors would serve terms that would be staggered, with one term expiring every two years.
—Tobi Raji The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 8 Dec. 2024
Spending and the debt scaled new heights after COVID struck and the economy staggered.
—Ron Elving, NPR, 7 Dec. 2024
Parachute's Eco Comfort mattress is discounted from its usual $2,400 to $1,680 (for the queen-size), with other bed size savings staggered accordingly.
—Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Dec. 2024
Taleb staggered El Hazoume with a combination, which forced his foe to the fence.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024
More than a few of our out-of-town guests staggered around the ceremony, bleary eyed, having tossed and turned the previous night with headaches.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 16 Oct. 2024
Adjective
Initially convinced that Sheri had been abducted, the two staggered onto a nearby highway and flagged down a car for help.
—Johnny Dodd, People.com, 21 Dec. 2024
The collapse of the Assad Regime in Syria is the latest in a series of political and military defeats that have staggered the Kremlin.
—Daniel Markind, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Topline The blue chip Dow Jones Industrial Average staggered to its lengthiest stretch of declines since 1974, a rut marked Wednesday by a sharp broader selloff tied to a hawkish update from the Federal Reserve regarding further interest rate cuts.
—Derek Saul, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Their successors would serve terms that would be staggered, with one term expiring every two years.
—Tobi Raji The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 8 Dec. 2024
Spending and the debt scaled new heights after COVID struck and the economy staggered.
—Ron Elving, NPR, 7 Dec. 2024
Parachute's Eco Comfort mattress is discounted from its usual $2,400 to $1,680 (for the queen-size), with other bed size savings staggered accordingly.
—Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Dec. 2024
Taleb staggered El Hazoume with a combination, which forced his foe to the fence.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024
More than a few of our out-of-town guests staggered around the ceremony, bleary eyed, having tossed and turned the previous night with headaches.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 16 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for staggered
Verb
-
For those who have hesitated due to financial concerns, now may be the right time to take the leap.—
Jaime Catmull,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
-
Charlotte has hesitated to drop parking minimums.—
Alexandria Sands,
Axios,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
People usually expect love to be a shelter of sorts in times like these — but when both partners are completely overwhelmed, that shelter can start to cave inwards.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
-
In any case, Olga is clearly overwhelmed and exasperated by Elio, who’s not identified as autistic (as some have speculated online) or disabled (there’s a good explanation for his blue eyepatch).—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
17 June 2025
Verb
-
Without him in the lineup, the Knicks offense has faltered a little bit.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
22 Mar. 2025
-
However, New York has faltered a little without their star on the floor.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
There were also problems connecting to the internet and to phone networks, leaving many bewildered and unable to obtain information.—
Catherine Porter,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Tornado is a bewildered Japanese girl (played by pop singer Kôki) who fights off a horde of white men, thieving gold vagabonds who represent both Anglo-Saxon and Anglo-Celtic ancestry.—
Armond White,
National Review,
4 June 2025
Verb
-
Analysts at Mizuho shuffled up its top picks in a note Monday.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
6 Jan. 2025
-
Stop Scripting Development Employees need to grow into opportunities, not be shuffled into roles.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Crosby continued his nearly 20-year assault on the Philadelphia Flyers with a 4-point outburst as the Penguins rolled to a 7-3 victory at PPG Paints Arena in their final game before the Christmas break.—
Josh Yohe,
The Athletic,
24 Dec. 2024
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Democrats pressing to streamline the prior authorization process in Medicare Advantage have made some last-minute changes that add cost to the plan and could complicate its chances of being rolled into a year-end health deal.—
Victoria Knight,
Axios,
10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Later the trailer features a scene of the director shooting bemused members of an Indigenous community.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
19 June 2025
-
In the 10th game of the second set, Zverev was left bemused after a backhand from Davidovich Fokina was called in by the electronic line calling system.—
Matias Grez,
CNN Money,
28 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Staggered.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/staggered. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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