fumbled 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of fumblednext
as in clumsy
showing or marked by a lack of skill and tact (as in dealing with a situation) my future father-in-law shook his head over my fumbled attempt to compliment his daughter

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fumbled

2 of 2

verb

past tense of fumble
1
as in blew
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 looked
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 stumbled
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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fumbled
  1. clumsy
  2. looked
  3. awkward
  4. reached
  5. tripped
  6. botched
  7. felt
  8. ruined
Adjective
  • In a moment when Liston was hurling a clumsy punch and his balance was susceptible, Ali threw what looked like a swiping right graze at his opponent’s head.
    Mikal Gilmore, Rolling Stone, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Even observers who think the outlook for China’s economy is less dire agree that its growth is slowing and will be constrained by structural challenges and a clumsy policymaking process.
    Jude Blanchette, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Definition of clumsy
Verb
  • The team looked incompetent, even with an extra week to prepare.
    Chad Graff, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
  • From the opening tip, Williamson looked explosive.
    William Guillory, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
Definition of looked
Adjective
  • Though the two might have an awkward run-in in the Love Island All-Stars Villa.
    Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Ribas’ hands and movement were much crisper than that of Dern, whose movement was awkward and punches were slower and wilder than those of her foe.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
Definition of awkward
Verb
  • The movie also reached $100M in international box office gross faster than its predecessors.
    Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 5 Jan. 2025
  • Poland has now reached the final twice, losing on both occasions.
    James Hansen, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025
Definition of reached
Verb
  • The charge relates to Chelsea’s protests to referee John Brooks after his decision to award Ipswich a 10th-minute penalty, with goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen judged to have tripped Liam Delap.
    Callum Davis, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025
  • The volunteer saw the 4-year-old run past Shin again, and Shin stuck her left foot out and tripped him, the affidavit said.
    Claire Osborn, Austin American-Statesman, 2 Jan. 2025
Definition of tripped
Adjective
  • In the days since Yoon’s botched martial law attempt, extraordinary details have emerged of just how many senior figures, both within the political establishment and the military, were caught completely off-guard.
    Helen Regan, CNN, 5 Dec. 2024
  • The Titans ended up with just three penalties for 15 yards and one turnover, on a botched pitch attempt from backup quarterback Mason Rudolph to Julius Chestnut.
    Joe Rexrode, The Athletic, 10 Aug. 2024
Definition of botched
Verb
  • Wednesday 🎨 Discover the art of needle felting at The Line Hotel from 6:30-8:30pm.
    Nicole Cobler, Axios, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Perhaps their most felting loss of this recent skid, despite being blown out in Denver, was their 17-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, as Kirk Cousins threw four interceptions, one of which was returned fo a touchdown.
    Ryan Morik, Fox News, 5 Dec. 2024
Definition of felt
Verb
  • And then in Joker 2, some people complained that the movie was ruined by the images on the screen and the sounds that accompanied them.
    Lexy Perez, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Believing their beloved team already ruined mock drafting for the next two months, New York Giants fans probably hope for a loss against a Philadelphia Eagles team expected to rest starters Sunday.
    Jeff Howe, The Athletic, 4 Jan. 2025
Definition of ruined
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Thesaurus Entries Near fumbled

fumble

fumbled

fumbler

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Cite this Entry

“Fumbled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fumbled. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

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