1
as in reveling
to completely give (oneself) over to something (such as an emotion)
After being laid off, he spent much of his time wallowing in self-pity. They wallowed in all the indulgences provided by the resort.
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2
as in shuffling
to roll around in an ungainly manner
We saw a herd of cattle wallowing in the marsh.
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Recent Examples of wallowing
The slough was wallowing with carp.
—
Byron W. Dalrymple, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026
She isn’t being morbid or wallowing in sadness; she’s inspired by a practice in Bhutan aimed at cultivating happiness and reducing anxiety about mortality — by thinking about death five times a day.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 23 May 2026
Most like to be clean, although wallowing in the mud does help keep them cool and protected from insects and the sun.
—Kansas City Star, 10 May 2026
The 40-foot-long internet phenomenon had been wallowing in shallow waters near Germany since March.
—Alana Wise, NPR, 2 May 2026
Recent polls show Villaraigosa, 73, wallowing at the bottom of the field, though none of the major Democratic candidates have an overwhelming edge.
—Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026
Reveling or wallowing in either part of the game only slows the process.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
But no, Tommy will not be moved, wallowing in grief for his young daughter and tormented by the death of his brother Arthur, ostensibly a suicide.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 5 Mar. 2026
In a broader sense, your relationships can also keep you from wallowing in your struggles.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 19 Feb. 2026
Byron W. Dalrymple, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026
She isn’t being morbid or wallowing in sadness; she’s inspired by a practice in Bhutan aimed at cultivating happiness and reducing anxiety about mortality — by thinking about death five times a day.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 23 May 2026
Most like to be clean, although wallowing in the mud does help keep them cool and protected from insects and the sun.
—Kansas City Star, 10 May 2026
The 40-foot-long internet phenomenon had been wallowing in shallow waters near Germany since March.
—Alana Wise, NPR, 2 May 2026
Recent polls show Villaraigosa, 73, wallowing at the bottom of the field, though none of the major Democratic candidates have an overwhelming edge.
—Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026
Reveling or wallowing in either part of the game only slows the process.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
But no, Tommy will not be moved, wallowing in grief for his young daughter and tormented by the death of his brother Arthur, ostensibly a suicide.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 5 Mar. 2026
In a broader sense, your relationships can also keep you from wallowing in your struggles.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 19 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wallowing
Verb
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Our friends converted their 400-person reception hall wedding into a spirited dance party at their home, with small groups of well-wishers, each small enough to fit into their bomb shelter, taking turns reveling.—
Michael M. Rosen,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Agathe approaches love with Elizabeth Bennet’s passion, reveling in whimsy and delighting in the unexpected.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
HollywoodReporter,
27 May 2025
Verb
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Nilles reportedly learned 40 songs for the tour, so expect some setlist shuffling each date.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
8 June 2026
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The move comes one year after the team promoted Saleh to general manager after another round of shuffling in its front office.—
Lauren Williams,
AJC.com,
27 May 2026
Verb
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Crossing the top of a waterfall, Sarah feels the pull of the drop and stops just short of indulging her intrusive thought to take the plunge.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
19 Nov. 2025
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For the most part, however, the Stranger waltzes around in plain sight, adopting the form of an androgynous teen — their scarred face betraying the wounds of Heaven’s rejection — who baits the Boy into indulging his darkest impulses.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
13 Nov. 2025
Verb
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To secure his nomination, Blanche would need to convince any swaying Republicans on the Judiciary Committee to get in his corner.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
8 June 2026
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The possibility of participants betting on their games — and potentially swaying outcomes — was too integral to the integrity of college sports to earn leniency.—
Matt Baker,
New York Times,
8 June 2026
Verb
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Now, in the aftermath, legions of fans are basking in the glow of Love Story’s depiction of a legendary romance, wrapped up in nostalgia and style.—
Antonia Blyth,
Deadline,
10 June 2026
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This elevated bed, which allows for proper air flow, keeps pets comfortable while basking in the sun.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
20 May 2026
Verb
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Washington — While millions of Americans are struggling to find jobs in a tough labor market, healthcare is emerging as a lifeline for career changers.—
Bryan Mena,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
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Global consumers want more protein in every bite, but the dairy industry is struggling to give it to them.—
Dee-Ann Durbin,
Fortune,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Wallowing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wallowing. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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