TUMBLING Synonyms: 165 Similar and Opposite Words

tumbling

verb

Definition of tumbling

present participle of tumble

as in falling

to go down from an upright position suddenly and involuntarily the infant stood for a moment and then tumbled on the carpet

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in plunging

to go to a lower level especially abruptly stock prices tumbled after the earnings report was released

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as in disrupting

to undo the proper order or arrangement of tumbled all the clothes in her closet as she furiously searched for her favorite pair of jeans

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as in collapsing

to fall down or in as a result of physical pressure all we need is one strong wind, and that old barn is going to tumble

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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 tumbling News of their leaving sent Google’s shares tumbling more than 5% on Monday. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 23 June 2026 Pauline went from tumbling and twirling in the circus to flipping into pools as a competitive diver during her teens. — Staff Author, InStyle, 23 June 2026 Earlier this week, Sandy took an unexpected fledge after losing her balance and tumbling down the nest tree. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 2 July 2026 Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh helped send the stock market tumbling in his first press conference as leader of the central bank. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 24 June 2026 The gradual reopening of the Strait resulted in crude oil prices tumbling toward $70 per barrel on Wednesday. — Tiago Ventura, Time, 24 June 2026 But this week has been particularly topsy-turvy – sinking 10% Tuesday, rising 5% and 3% Wednesday and Thursday, and then tumbling again Friday. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 26 June 2026 With Soto, one of the league’s best sluggers, joining the team in 2025, the Mets went 55-42 in the first half, tumbling out of contention in the second with a 28-37 finish. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026 On July 9, 2025, people at Camp Wildcraft reported hearing a loud crack before the massive branch, estimated to weigh several hundred pounds, came tumbling down, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Lt. — Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tumbling

Verb

The skyscraper has been the subject of multiple complaints, including allegations of falling debris and unsafe conditions, records show.

— Kelly McCleary, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
After receiving a report of bricks falling from the 37-story building, fire officials said two columns had buckled on the 21st and 22nd floors, while floors were sagging between the 21st and 26th floors.

— Jane Onyanga-Omara, USA Today, 8 July 2026

Definition of falling

Verb

Handwerker revealed that Gerber joined her mom at the event with a second photo posted on July 5, which showed the Mother Mary actress wearing a bodycon black gown with a plunging sweetheart neckline that dipped to her ribs.

— Lara Walsh, InStyle, 5 July 2026
Olandria Carthen attended the 2026 BET Awards in Los Angeles wearing a bright yellow gown with a plunging neckline and daringly high slit.

— Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

Definition of plunging

Verb

Researchers have identified hormone-disrupting and asthma-associated chemicals in some consumer products and continue to investigate combinations of chemicals that may warrant closer testing.

— Brad Reisfeld, The Conversation, 6 July 2026
Its tendency to rapidly reproduce, forming dense colonies on underwater surfaces, can clog pipes, pumps and critical water infrastructure while disrupting local ecosystems.

— Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026

Definition of disrupting

Verb

The camaraderie was evident on the ground here in La Guaira, the coastal city where quake damage was most severe, collapsing dozens of buildings.

— Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Unlike straw or lower-grade wool blends, beaver felt can be reworked without collapsing its structure, which is what allows hats to be reshaped by hand rather than stamped out of a mold.

— Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 July 2026

Definition of collapsing

Verb

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has also fallen foul of Germany’s World Cup elimination by Paraguay, after stumbling into a social media debacle following a communications blunder.

— Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 1 July 2026
There's been some stumbling plays, thwarted by tripping and dramatic falls.

— Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 27 June 2026

Definition of stumbling

Verb

However, with temps dipping after sunset (and air conditioners constantly blasting indoors), a lightweight sweater is bound to come in handy.

— Kelsey Stewart, Glamour, 7 July 2026
Clean and disinfect your pruning shears between working on each plant by dipping them into a dilute 10% solution of chlorine bleach water or rubbing alcohol.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 4 July 2026

Definition of dipping

Verb

Getty Images The Toronto Blue Jays have been struggling with injuries across the roster this season, shuffling the big-league roster and the lower levels of the organization as a result.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
The administration dissolved the CDC's Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, shuffling staffers to other divisions and interrupting work on the disease.

— Stephanie Armour, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Definition of shuffling

Verb

Moses Moody scored 23 points before crumpling to the floor with an apparently serious left knee injury late in overtime as the Golden State Warriors beat Dallas 137-131 on Monday night, extending the Mavericks' home losing streak to 12 games, their longest in 32 years.

— CBS News, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
Late on, with the game already won, James Garner and substitute Merlin Rohl chased Enzo Fernandez, sending him crumpling to the turf.

— Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2026