as in to fumble
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way
bungled the job the first time she tried to do it
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bungle
Simon J. Levien, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Michel has recently pursued his appeal process in part by arguing the incompetence of his trial attorney, who garnered headlines for bungling closing arguments through misuse of an artificial intelligence program.
—Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Jan. 2025
In a bizarre episode in 1999, for instance, Mr. Simitis was accused by critics of bungling an attempt to shield Abdullah Ocalan, a fugitive rebel leader of Turkey’s Kurds, who was seized by Turkish security forces in Nairobi, Kenya.
—Alan Cowell, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2025
The Bulls bungled the first game of a favorable stretch.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bungle
Verb
Two brothers who were convicted in the 1991 rape and murder of a tourist in Hawaii filed a federal lawsuit on Tuesday claiming that the police had framed them and then bungled an investigation that could have brought the true killer to justice.
—Simon J. Levien, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Michel has recently pursued his appeal process in part by arguing the incompetence of his trial attorney, who garnered headlines for bungling closing arguments through misuse of an artificial intelligence program.
—Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Jan. 2025
In a bizarre episode in 1999, for instance, Mr. Simitis was accused by critics of bungling an attempt to shield Abdullah Ocalan, a fugitive rebel leader of Turkey’s Kurds, who was seized by Turkish security forces in Nairobi, Kenya.
—Alan Cowell, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2025
The Bulls bungled the first game of a favorable stretch.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bungle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bungle
Verb
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Stash everything in your carry-on instead of fumbling at the checkpoint.—
Boutayna Chokrane,
WIRED,
18 Mar. 2025
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The new electrically released adhesive makes removing the battery easier because it can be done with a jolt of electricity rather than fumbling with sticky strips, which can snap before the battery is released.—
Janhoi McGregor,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Braden Mann’s botch of the opening kickoff, Luke McCaffrey’s 47-yard return and Jeremiah Trotter Jr.’s unnecessary roughness penalty embodied the sloppy play that’s recently been awarding opponents advantageous field position.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
The Athletic,
26 Dec. 2024
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Lastly, there was the botch job of trading away Jake Guentzel at the deadline last season.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
16 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Keep windows and doors closed to avoid pollen being blown into your home.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
12 Mar. 2025
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Sparks or embers can blow into leaves or grass, ignite a fire, and quickly spread.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Washington Commanders fans have not forgotten about Philadelphia mayor Cherelle Parker's spelling bobble last week.—
Joel Thayer,
Newsweek,
26 Jan. 2025
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Its circular design fits the decor perfectly while leaving room to prevent damage to any bobbles and accessories.—
Shea Simmons,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 Jan. 2025
Verb
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However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.—
Tanasia Kenney,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2025
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Alli Jo adds that the kids left school to appear on the date with Grant and the ladies, so Zoe ruined their day, too.—
Kristen Baldwin,
EW.com,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Indigenous American tribes have also dubbed the March full moon the Eagle Moon, the Goose Moon, or the Crow Comes Back Moon, heralding the reappearance of these animals in the Spring.—
Jeffrey Kluger,
TIME,
11 Mar. 2025
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The units were dubbed Neighborhood Safety Teams, and officers in them did get more oversight.—
Eric Umansky,
ProPublica,
11 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bungle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bungle. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
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