stumblebum

noun

Definition of stumblebumnext
1
as in palooka

Related Words

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2
as in fumbler

Related Words

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 stumblebum The stumblebum energy disarms us, which makes the gruesome cruelty of the kills that much more disturbing. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026 As opposed to palookas and has-beens and tin cans and stumblebums, a player who got waived departed with his dignity intact. — Joe Queenan, WSJ, 2 Nov. 2018 Gerald Ford, for all his stumblebum image, was a Yale Law School graduate and veteran of legislative details. — James Fallows, The Atlantic, 20 July 2017 The physicians lining up with Teirstein are not a bunch of stumblebums afraid of a few tests. — Kurt Eichenwald, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2015
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stumblebum
  1. palooka
  2. duffer
  3. slugger
  4. boxer
  5. prizefighter
  6. pugilist
  7. gladiator
  8. pug
Noun
  • Sylvester Stallone's underdog tale about a struggling palooka given one shot at the heavyweight championship is a stirring sports movie with a level of charm and sweetness that dissipated in the rounds (and rounds) of sequels that followed.
    — Brian Lowry, CNN, 25 July 2019
  • All this real guts and glory in Philadelphia, yet one of the big tourist attractions is to run up the Art Museum steps the way a palooka named Rocky Balboa did on the silver screen.
    — Bill Livingston, cleveland.com, 1 Jan. 2018
Definition of palooka
Noun
  • Many weekend duffers buy their equipment at Dick’s Sporting Goods .
    — Tom Rotunno, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Prior to 2023, when the streamer hosted its first live sports event—the Netflix Cup featured F1 drivers and pro duffers squaring off in a nine-hole match—the company brass were adamant about staying out of that lane.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 25 Mar. 2026
Definition of duffer
Noun
  • The biggest addition last offseason came in signing Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami to a two-year deal.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Throughout its run, Abbott has had its fair share of high-profile guest stars from Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber and Eagles players Jason Kelce, Jalen Hurts and Brandon Graham to Bradley Cooper and Questlove — all of whom played themselves.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of slugger
Noun
  • His art often featured jazz luminaries, boxers, and other figures along with graffiti-like words.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Had Coker scored, Tremble would have been the boxer who got knocked out.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of boxer
Noun
  • The Florida Gators staggered into Texas on Saturday looking like a punch-drunk prizefighter who had spent the previous two weeks getting his teeth knocked out, his nose rearranged and his dignity dragged through the mud.
    — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Ali won, but both prizefighters left a part of themselves in that ring.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of prizefighter
Noun
  • Becerra was the clear winner, and to be honest, Hilton — usually a nimble pugilist — came across flat too much of the time.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • After finishing fourth in Stage 1, Bristol pugilist Carson Hocevar was part of a six-car restart wreck on Lap 122.
    — Reid Spencer, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of pugilist
Noun
  • Ann Demeulemeester brought back the gladiator sandal with an abundance of buckles.
    — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026
  • While gladiator shoes are more popular during the warmer months, shoes like Lyonne’s feel more fall-centric due to the materials utilized and the gold and neutral color scheme.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of gladiator
Noun
  • Great Danes, for example, generally don’t live as long as golden retrievers or pugs.
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The pattern bucks what scientists see elsewhere in the animal kingdom and helps explain why Great Danes rarely outlive golden retrievers or pugs.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of pug

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Stumblebum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stumblebum. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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