stumbled; stumbling
ˈstəm-b(ə-)liŋ 
1
a
: to fall into sin or waywardness
b
: to make an error : blunder
c
: to come to an obstacle to belief
2
: to trip in walking or running
3
a
: to walk unsteadily or clumsily
b
: to speak or act in a hesitant or faltering manner
4
a
: to come unexpectedly or by chance
stumble onto the truth
b
: to fall or move carelessly
Synonyms
Examples of stumble in a Sentence
Verb
I stumbled on the uneven pavement.
The horse stumbled and almost fell.
He stumbled drunkenly across the room.
He stumbled over to the table.
I heard him stumble over the unfamiliar words.
She stumbled through an apology.
The economy has stumbled in recent months.
Noun
was his hurtful remark a regrettable stumble, or was it made with artful intention?
has bones so brittle that a minor stumble could result in a serious break
Recent Examples on the Web
Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 24 Dec. 2024
The inquiry into their use came during a 2023 dispute between the city and the Crane Boulevard Safety Coalition, which stumbled on the disappearing messages after the city approved the construction of a home in Mount Washington.
—Barnini Chakraborty, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 23 Dec. 2024
Michael Russo, The Athletic, 22 Dec. 2024
Turn imperfection into an advantage Every stumble in my journey has become a teaching tool.
—Amy Landino, Contributor, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for stumble 
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Verb
While overzealous forecasting tells part of the digital health story this year, there were some notable stumbles at particular companies.
—Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 24 Dec. 2024
The inquiry into their use came during a 2023 dispute between the city and the Crane Boulevard Safety Coalition, which stumbled on the disappearing messages after the city approved the construction of a home in Mount Washington.
—Barnini Chakraborty, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 23 Dec. 2024
Noun
The Minnesota Wild’s blip is officially a stumble as the slumping, skidding team once again was a patsy against the Winnipeg Jets.
—Michael Russo, The Athletic, 22 Dec. 2024
Turn imperfection into an advantage Every stumble in my journey has become a teaching tool.
—Amy Landino, Contributor, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for stumble
Dictionary Entries Near stumble
Cite this Entry
“Stumble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stumble. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
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