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staggering 1 of 3

adjective

ˈsta-g(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce staggering (audio)
Definition of staggeringnext
as in astonishing
causing wonder or astonishment the staggering scope of the new construction on campus

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

staggering

2 of 3

noun

as in wobbling

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Dissimilar Words

staggering

3 of 3

verb

present participle of stagger
1
as in lurching
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 faltering
to show uncertainty about the right course of action a daunting problem that would make even the most decisive person stagger just a bit

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 staggering
Adjective
The most glaring shortcoming of new defensive coordinator Christian Parker’s unit was a staggering 9-of-11 conversion rate for the Giants on third down, as the defense could not get off the field all night. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Sep. 2026 Nothing seemed to be too hard against the Broncos, who missed a staggering 28 tackles during the game. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026
Verb
The Powell-Herro partnership also was never able to consistently produce positive results, as the Heat was left staggering their minutes by the end of the season. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026 As the Transit officers descended down to the 4/5/6 platform, one of Griffin’s victims came staggering up the stairs, seeking medial attention, Tisch said. — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for staggering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for staggering
  1. astonishing
  2. wobbling
  3. lurching
  4. faltering
  5. amazing
  6. indecision
  7. reeling
  8. hesitating
Adjective
  • Wong starred in, scripted, directed, and produced her own documentary about her travels, an astonishing feat at a time when Dorothy Arzner and Ida Lupino were two of the very few female directors in Hollywood.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Mackie debuted his signature style of lavish gowns, astonishing headpieces and dance-friendly designs in 1966 when he was enlisted by Gaynor to design the energetic singer-dancer’s costumes for her Las Vegas revue and subsequent television specials.
    — Maureen Lee Lenker, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of astonishing
Noun
  • The swift rebound when a nation switches from a wobbling to hard currency is a scenario Hanke has witnessed many times before in his adventures as the Money Doctor.
    — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Softening rather than stiffening when moving through space requires embracing your body’s natural sway and tiny micro-movements, like an ankle wobbling or knee jiggling.
    — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of wobbling
Verb
  • There followed an uncomfortable, lurching ride in a rickety old coach.
    — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The United States, which had been lurching toward entry in the Second World War, was suddenly and inescapably thrust into global conflict.
    — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of lurching
Verb
  • Late last year, Kushner was called on to help with the faltering talks to end the war in Ukraine.
    — Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
  • China will inject $45 billion into its largest banks and insurers, its biggest recapitalization push in decades as Beijing looks to boost the country’s faltering economy.
    — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of faltering
Adjective
  • Travis Hunter is an incredibly talented young player who did amazing things in college.
    — Gary Davenport, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The sale offers amazing discounts across thousands of products, including my personal favorite category, toys.
    — Anja Webb, Parents, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of amazing
Noun
  • Alex wants to hold on and let go at once, and her indecision spirals into a familiar yet attuned portrait of middle-age upheaval.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Those two plays hint at indecision from LaFleur, which isn’t the most inspiring sign for this fanbase after how last season fell apart.
    — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026
Definition of indecision
Verb
  • With one of the NFL’s toughest schedules looming and the Rams reeling from their own setbacks, the Chargers’ listless performance raises urgent doubts about where this team might be heading.
    — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The result was a series of drubbings in the late stages of Grand Slam tournaments that had left Zverev reeling after his loss in the first round of Wimbledon 14 months ago.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of reeling
Verb
  • But experts have worried that doctors are hesitating to offer treatment without an ironclad diagnosis, which clinicians say can take time and increase risks to the mother.
    — Andrea Suozzo, ProPublica, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Fertilizer is often bought months ahead of planting, so hesitating in the fall can mean less goes on the ground in the spring.
    — Jayash Paudel, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of hesitating

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staggered
staggering
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Cite this Entry

“Staggering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/staggering. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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