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
  • But the Astros also have Yordan Alvarez, a slugger authoring a season unlike any in their 65-year existence.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Derrick Walker and his 7-year-old son were in left-field seats for an April series in 2010 when Braves slugger and future Gold Glove winner Jayson Heyward made his debut.
    — Dan Gelston, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
Definition of slugger
Noun
  • Joshua was discharged from hospital after two days but earlier this week his promoter Eddie Hearn told the BBC that in the early stages of his recovery, just a slight movement in bed would be excruciating pain for the boxer.
    — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 25 July 2026
  • In the present, Lara meets Mari, a sarcastic and blunt high school tomboy who competes as a boxer.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 24 July 2026
Definition of boxer
Noun
  • But Ford had stripped these two unpainted entries down to the chassis, like prizefighters shedding final pounds before weigh-in.
    — Eric Moskowitz, The Atlantic, 31 May 2026
  • The explosive jazz‑rock pianist – known for redefining piano performance with the physicality of a prizefighter and the swagger of a rock guitarist – is set to turn the DIA’s auditorium into something closer to a sonic combustion chamber.
    — Duante Beddingfield, Freep.com, 24 Feb. 2026
Definition of prizefighter
Noun
  • The Antonoff of the early Bleachers albums was pop’s pint-sized pugilist, muscling his way to the front of the pack.
    — Walden Green, Pitchfork, 30 May 2026
  • In terms of skippers, our Frank Selee might rightly be considered more philosopher than a pugilist.
    — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 6 May 2026
Definition of pugilist
Noun
  • Besides, Damon showing up in full gladiator armor probably isn’t the kind of red carpet Hollywood is looking for.
    — Alex Badia, Footwear News, 21 July 2026
  • What caught my eye—and gave me a heavy sense of déjà vu—though, were the strappy metallic silver gladiator heels.
    — Tessa Petak, InStyle, 17 July 2026
Definition of gladiator
Noun
  • Tilly, a 2-year-old pug, was brought into Arizona Humane Society’s trauma hospital in Phoenix, fighting for her life in late May.
    — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 19 July 2026
  • She’s also obsessed with her dog—a pug named Daphne—and always shopping for new outfits, toys, and accessories for her fur baby.
    — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 16 July 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 2 Aug. 2026.

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