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
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of fumble
Todd Spangler, Variety, 15 May 2025
However, a fourth quarter fumble changed the momentum of the game.
—Dj Siddiqi, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 9 May 2025
The city has fumbled its response before, leaving residents wary of new promises.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fumble
Noun
The latest name change is an attempt to correct one of corporate America’s biggest branding fumbles, behind only to Elon Musk rechristening Twitter as X, said branding expert David Aaker, vice chairman at Prophet, a business strategy and marketing consulting firm.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 15 May 2025
However, a fourth quarter fumble changed the momentum of the game.
—Dj Siddiqi, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Verb
Dropping it and having to fumble around on the floor would have killed her for sure.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 9 May 2025
The city has fumbled its response before, leaving residents wary of new promises.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fumble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fumble
Noun
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Choosing smoothies low in protein and fiber, adding sugary ingredients to your smoothie, and using low-calorie smoothies as meal replacements are just some of the smoothie mistakes that could be sabotaging your weight loss efforts.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
3 June 2025
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Democrats are making a different mistake by funding abortions in Maryland without making sure women have a chance to truly understand their options.—
Colin Pascal,
Baltimore Sun,
2 June 2025
Verb
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That’s just the beginning, though—keep scrolling for more deals sure to blow you away (no pun intended).—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
23 May 2025
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The weather can play a role too; rain can wash pollen from the air, while a windy day can blow it around, increasing your allergy symptoms.2 How Can You Prevent Allergy Symptoms?—
Kelly Burch Published,
Verywell Health,
23 May 2025
Verb
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There is no indication that Twain groped or took advantage of any of these girls, but the information, which Chernow lays out like a detective, is disturbing and sobering.—
Dwight Garner,
New York Times,
13 May 2025
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The hip-hop artist groped Jones, the lawsuit states.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
13 May 2025
Verb
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Per a fan video, at one point during the show, after spinning his microphone and tossing it towards the audience, Joel appeared to stumble, falling backwards and landing on his side.—
Marina Watts,
People.com,
23 May 2025
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And then there are those, like Mia, who stumble on their birth families inadvertently.—
Barbara Demick,
New Yorker,
23 May 2025
Noun
-
Viewers speculated whether this was a blunder, power play or something else.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
27 May 2025
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Many of the nation’s biggest military blunders occurred because there wasn’t enough diversity in the armed forces.—
John Blake,
CNN Money,
26 May 2025
Verb
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Royals second baseman Jonathan India booted a ground ball with one out.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
24 May 2025
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In a similar trajectory to Liberty, Southeastern Louisiana shocked and eliminated the No. 10 LSU Tigers in the opening game 4-3, booting them into the losers bracket.—
Allison Smith,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
Verb
-
Gauff had walked out onto Court Philippe-Chatrier looking focused but her steely gaze soon turned to sheepish laughter after opening her bag.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
28 May 2025
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On Memorial Day, mom, dad, daughter and son were at the beach looking for games.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2025
Verb
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Piper Niven tripped Vega while Green was distracting the referee before Raw went to break.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
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There’s never been any danger that Christopher McQuarrie would trip, fall, and accidentally make Barry Lyndon.—
Paul A. Thompson,
Pitchfork,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fumble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fumble. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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