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 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 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 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 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 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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tumbling

Verb

Try to find a place that will block blowing or falling debris.

— CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026
Snow rooms, enclosed caverns of ice and snow, sometimes incorporating gently falling flakes, are the latest at-home flex for some of the world’s wealthiest, according to the New York Times.

— Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 15 July 2026

Definition of falling

Verb

Zendaya embraced her ethereal character by wearing a custom ivory Jacquemus draped gown with a simple halter neck and low-plunging back for a photo call in London.

— Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 12 July 2026
London designer Talia Byre bridged the gap between both silhouettes with her extra-large, striped polo shirt-dress with its plunging v-neck.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 11 July 2026

Definition of plunging

Verb

Large fires in southern France have already scorched thousands of hectares (acres) since last week, disrupting the Tour de France cycling race and stretching firefighting resources.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 July 2026
Rufus the hawk handles deterring the pigeons from disrupting play by eating grass seed.

— Nick Pachelli, Time, 11 July 2026

Definition of disrupting

Verb

The most recent fatality was on July 11, when a 64-year-old Greek hiker died after collapsing on a trail.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
De la Fuente’s side are exceptional at counter-pressing — collapsing on to the ball to quickly regain possession and sustain their attack to suffocate the other team.

— Mark Carey, New York Times, 18 July 2026

Definition of collapsing

Verb

The huge animals knocked bodies to the cobblestones, and stumbling runners caused several pileups during the two-and-a-half-minute run from the pen to the bull ring where bullfighters will kill the bulls later in the day.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026
The huge animals knocked down bodies to the cobblestones, and stumbling runners caused several pileups during the 2½-minute run from the pen to the bullring where bullfighters would kill the bulls later in the day.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026

Definition of stumbling

Verb

The cool mountain air offers a refreshing escape from muggy summer temperatures, with daytime highs typically hovering around 75 degrees Fahrenheit before dipping to the low 60s in the evening, so be sure to pack a light sweater.

— Alexandra Emanuelli, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2026
Messi’s outswinging corner was typically on the money, dipping and swerving deliciously over the first man and into a dangerous pocket of space.

— Stuart James, New York Times, 12 July 2026

Definition of dipping

Verb

Burke piles fascinating shuffling sounds on top, invoking a quiet scuffle, maybe some cardboard boxes being knocked over in a storage space.

— Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 14 July 2026
The Chicago Cubs have been shuffling the lower levels of their organization ahead of the trade deadline, looking to recapture some strong momentum from the beginning of the season to help drive a playoff push in the second half.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 8 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