as in mistake
an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy
played the entire piano piece without a single fumble
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to blow
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way
her assistant fumbled the party plans by getting the time wrong on the invitations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to grope
to search for something blindly or uncertainly
the librarian fumbled for the light switch as she entered the dark room
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to stumble
to make a mistake
just when it looked like he was going to get away with the ruse, he fumbled
Synonyms & Similar Words
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of fumble
Tim Casey, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
This was largely because of the excellent defense from Philadelphia, which forced two interceptions, two fumbles, four punts, and a sack.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 29 Dec. 2024
Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 22 Dec. 2024
Not to mention, Van Pelt’s top running back can’t stop fumbling, and the offensive line remains a hot mess.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 22 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fumble 
Noun
Fighting Irish cornerback Adon Shuler forced the fumble, while linebacker Jaiden Ausberry recovered it.
—Tim Casey, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
This was largely because of the excellent defense from Philadelphia, which forced two interceptions, two fumbles, four punts, and a sack.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 29 Dec. 2024
Verb
Early in the fourth quarter, Curl sacked him and forced him to fumble.
—Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 22 Dec. 2024
Not to mention, Van Pelt’s top running back can’t stop fumbling, and the offensive line remains a hot mess.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 22 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fumble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fumble
Noun
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Tickle’s rapid ascent hasn’t been without setbacks, and the 22-year-old has made a handful of high-profile mistakes.The Athletic UK Staff, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
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After two days of dealing with wildfires that have burned thousands of acres, residents across Los Angeles County received a wildfire evacuation alert on Thursday afternoon that was a mistake.Jay Peters, The Verge, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Credit them with winning 10 games although losing three of their last four and blowing a chance to win the ACC championship and get into the playoff put a huge damper on the season.Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2025
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Employers added 256,000 jobs in December, blowing past economists' expectations and signaling that the job market remains resilient in the face of still-high borrowing rates and stickier-than-expected inflation.Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
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In the most recent suit, filed Dec. 27 in Los Angeles County Superior Court, former patients accuse Brock of groping their breasts and genitals unnecessarily under the pretense of legitimate medical examinations.Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2025
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Even if there is groping or other assaults, taxes may apply.Robert W. Wood, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The Packers stumbled down the stretch, losing three of five, including two in a row.Jeff Howe, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
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Thomas watches as a naked virgin rides a horse, which is meant to stumble upon reaching the grave of a vampire.Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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But if a goalkeeper blunders like Illan Meslier did at Hull City (above) on Saturday, patience is going to be tested.Phil Hay, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025
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Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor redeemed himself in a big way Sunday, practically single-handedly keeping the team’s playoff hopes alive one week after a big blunder.Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
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But to boot out the hacker, the team has already reset the passwords for all admin accounts for the game.Michael Kan, PCMAG, 13 Jan. 2025
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Realistically, though, few of us would go through the trouble of booting up a 27-year-old game just to blitz through it.Patricia Hernandez, Rolling Stone, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Luscious, thriving strands that look and feel healthier with every wash.Erin Parker, Allure, 3 Jan. 2025
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Space also continues to be an important factor in the yacht designs of the moment, with naval architects looking for more ways to add in extra gross tonnage without extending the overall length.Katia Damborsky, Robb Report, 2 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The instructions emphasized folks not tripping in their fabulous boots while boarding and on being cool.Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2025
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And two, space heaters can fall and give you a shock or burn—especially if someone trips over the cord.Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near fumble
Cite this Entry
“Fumble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fumble. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
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