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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 club was bought by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich in 2003, a move that ushered in the modern era of staggering foreign money running Premier League clubs, and Chelsea to the top of global soccer. — Hannah Vanbiber, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 The national debt surpassed a record $40 trillion, a staggering milestone as defense costs, social programs like Social Security and Medicare and interest on the burgeoning deficit make up an enormous share of federal spending. — Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
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 Instead of staggering the fests and conferences over nine or 11 days, everything is now crammed into the same seven-day period, including film and TV, education, comedy and tech. — Thor Christensen, Dallas Morning News, 18 Mar. 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
  • The approvals here in this state happened with astonishing speed.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Highlights include astonishing wildlife moments like orcas carrying a humpback whale calf together after separating it from its mother and the unexpected encounter between a freediver and a giant oceanic sunfish.
    — Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 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
  • 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
  • Republicans see Democrats lurching to the left and embracing socialism as an opening to link their opponents to the far more radical communism.
    — Garrett Downs, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of lurching
Verb
  • Two decades’ worth of Chinese investments in research and foreign policy are coming into bloom, Osnos writes, at the same moment that America is faltering on the world stage.
    — David Remnick, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The Athletic spoke to those close to Rooney — who did so anonymously to protect relationships — about his transformation from faltering broadcaster to one of the bright points of the national broadcaster’s coverage.
    — Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of faltering
Adjective
  • Sometimes, incredibly powerful space telescopes work together to accomplish amazing things.
    — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Fans have been calling it the song of the summer, which has been so amazing for me as a new artist.
    — McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of amazing
Noun
  • True commitment allows strategies to develop and succeed, as indecision hinders progress.
    — Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The challenge is to shift from delay and indecision to implementation.
    — Valerie Pryor, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of indecision
Verb
  • The Germans were reeling and the 76th Infantry Division was on their tail.
    — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Summary Hollywood is reeling from the unexpected passing of Hayden Panettiere at 36, with no cause of death yet released.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of reeling
Verb
  • Cueto was known for hesitating while in his pitching motion, or wiggling on the mound.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2026
  • So electric power companies and regulators are cautious, hesitating to construct plants unless future demand is guaranteed.
    — Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of hesitating

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Cite this Entry

“Staggering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/staggering. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on staggering

Nglish: Translation of staggering for Spanish Speakers

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