fumbling 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of fumblingnext
as in uncomfortable

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fumbling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of fumble
1
as in blowing
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 groping
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 stumbling
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 fumbling
  1. uncomfortable
  2. wooden
  3. looking
  4. tripping
  5. reaching
  6. gawky
  7. ungainly
  8. clumsy
Adjective
  • Be realistic The most uncomfortable truth of the last few days has been how quickly firefighting efforts were overwhelmed and outmatched by the extreme fire conditions, Cohen said.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025
  • Aviation may be one of the safest forms of transportation, but unexpected turbulence can be an uncomfortable or even dangerous experience for airline passengers.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2025
Definition of uncomfortable
Adjective
  • In his photograph of the Hanok swimming spot, Kim showcases a teeming pool framed by traditional Korean architecture of wooden structures and curved roofs, echoing a dialogue between past and present.
    Hanna Park, CNN, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Guests can relax on wooden decks or under garden-facing showers that invite nature into the experience.
    Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
Definition of wooden
Verb
  • Gi-hun is followed back to the games by a Seoul police officer, Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon), who is looking for his missing brother, In-ho.
    Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 24 Dec. 2024
  • In it, the singer-songwriter saunters in a polka-dot dress before the screen pans to a glamorous-looking Carey, who delivers a whistle note.
    Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 24 Dec. 2024
Definition of looking
Verb
  • Don't Use An Extension Cord In general, extension cords aren't a great idea because of the tripping hazard and the potential for overheating.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2025
  • For older people with weaker bones, tripping while walking can sometimes cause a fracture.
    Maggie Aime, MSN, Health, 25 Dec. 2024
Definition of tripping
Verb
  • Theirs is a different reality Part of Williams reaching his potential will involve taking fewer sacks.
    Kevin Fishbain, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Chicago was getting freezing drizzle and then temperatures potentially reaching into the mid-to-upper 20s.
    Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025
Definition of reaching
Adjective
  • Carmello, a three-time Tony nominee, delivers an exquisite performance, equal parts gawky and wise, a tender-hearted girl feeling every slight but also always slightly above the fray.
    Karen D'Souza, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
  • Here, Finnigan is gawky and eager in a T-shirt and jeans, with a few helpful props on hand, determined to tick all the boxes just so.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2024
Definition of gawky
Adjective
  • The apparent impact is on video, with the ungainly trims placed on the picture demanded by a wide corner a thing of the past on the S25 Utlra.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
  • With two soldiers able to wrestle the ungainly seven foot long M20 into position on its tripod, the mobility of such a lethal system proved to be a game changer.
    Mike Hanlon, New Atlas, 12 Oct. 2024
Definition of ungainly
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
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 fumbling

fumbles

fumbling

fume

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Cite this Entry

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

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