as in to stagger
to move forward while swaying from side to side
the duck waddled back into the water we watched the penguins waddle over the ice together
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of waddle
Luxembourg’s 1980 submission featured singing sisters Sophie and Magaly in bright, triangular tuxedo suits that predate Klaus Nomi’s similar fashion, accompanied by a tall man who waddles around onstage in a large sequin penguin costume (the backup singers were in penguin sequins, too).
—
Nick Allen, Vulture, 13 May 2025
Both teams have been mostly waddling at the ninth and tenth spot of the West since their trades.
—Kambui Bomani, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
In Antalya, Turkey, in the early hours of March 27, 2025, Pikachu was spotted fleeing the police, making a getaway as fast as his short yellow legs could waddle.
—Yii-Jan Lin, The Conversation, 11 Apr. 2025
Colin Farrell, who waddled his way to considerable acclaim for his work as a classic DC villain in The Penguin, is in negotiations to return to the world of DC with Sgt.
—Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for waddle
Nick Allen, Vulture, 13 May 2025
Both teams have been mostly waddling at the ninth and tenth spot of the West since their trades.
—Kambui Bomani, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
In Antalya, Turkey, in the early hours of March 27, 2025, Pikachu was spotted fleeing the police, making a getaway as fast as his short yellow legs could waddle.
—Yii-Jan Lin, The Conversation, 11 Apr. 2025
Colin Farrell, who waddled his way to considerable acclaim for his work as a classic DC villain in The Penguin, is in negotiations to return to the world of DC with Sgt.
—Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for waddle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for waddle
Verb
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Elena Guseva’s soprano staggers in its power and control, retaining its hue even at lofty peaks.—
Hannah Edgar,
Chicago Tribune,
20 June 2025
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Mayors are elected by council members who have staggered four-year terms and are elected by citizens.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
19 June 2025
Verb
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The world is lurching toward autocracy, with alarming speed.—
Elisa Manfredini,
Time,
14 June 2025
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In the final moments, Molly lurches forward into this brave new world, with nothing but the overalls on her back and her best friend who can barely start her car.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
9 June 2025
Verb
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The parade weaves through the historic downtown, bringing together antique cars, floats, and locals looking to show off their red, white, and blue.—
Heather Bien,
Southern Living,
18 June 2025
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Ah Loo’s vibrant work weaves traditional Pacific Island attire with modern silhouettes and design.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
17 June 2025
Verb
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As Joe Biden tottered and fell (literally as well as metaphorically), more than a few pundits compared him to Lear, a man who was ruined by age, pride, and the flattery of sycophants.—
Tyler Austin Harper,
The Atlantic,
16 May 2025
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Dina Tomczak, the school’s athletic director, tottered into her office having barely slept.—
Brooks Kubena,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
Verb
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Nicolo Barella would often drop between Stefan de Vrij and right centre-back Matteo Darmian or pull wide outside of Urawa’s defensive block to kickstart Inter’s possession, meaning the Japanese side were comfortable shuffling from side to side with the game in front of them.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
21 June 2025
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The latest major example of this reliable horror subgenre shuffling (or in this case running) into theaters is 28 Years Later.—
James Grebey,
Time,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Waddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/waddle. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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