1
as in to stumble
to proceed or act clumsily or ineffectually
unprepared choristers who floundered helplessly through the musical number
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to shuffle
to move heavily or clumsily
the car floundered through the heavy wet snow, constantly getting stuck
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of flounder
But his floundering presence in the centre of the Etihad pitch is emblematic of the club's struggles.
—
Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024
Now, the fates of those snails have taken a positive turn: In the last decade or so, scientists found live members of species long thought to be extinct on the islands, kicking off a flurry of rescue initiatives for these floundering mollusks.
—Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Dec. 2024
From there, though, Atlanta lost four straight and fell behind Tampa Bay (8-6) in the division as Cousins floundered.
—Josh Kendall, The Athletic, 18 Dec. 2024
But if Carter hadn’t also believed and trusted in Davis, the national 55 mph speed limit effort might have floundered and eventually failed.
—Doug Melville, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for flounder 
Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024
Now, the fates of those snails have taken a positive turn: In the last decade or so, scientists found live members of species long thought to be extinct on the islands, kicking off a flurry of rescue initiatives for these floundering mollusks.
—Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Dec. 2024
From there, though, Atlanta lost four straight and fell behind Tampa Bay (8-6) in the division as Cousins floundered.
—Josh Kendall, The Athletic, 18 Dec. 2024
But if Carter hadn’t also believed and trusted in Davis, the national 55 mph speed limit effort might have floundered and eventually failed.
—Doug Melville, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for flounder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flounder
Verb
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Both players refused to release the ball in an epic battle for possession, the players stumbling toward the TCU student section.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
23 Jan. 2025
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Matthias Schmidt, founder of Schmidt Automotive Research, said BYD’s plans for Germany have stumbled as EV sales slumped after government incentives were removed.—
Neil Winton,
Forbes,
23 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Rihanna was shuffled out through a restricted exit by deputies, and Rocky left separately through the main courthouse doors.—
Andrew Dalton,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Jan. 2025
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The impact is evident, with the Panthers having to shuffle defense pairings and rely on players who usually handle lesser roles to contribute bigger minutes when Ekblad is out.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
28 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Even under better times, Haiti has struggled to pull off elections.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
23 Jan. 2025
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But these same models sometimes struggle with basic tasks, like arithmetic or writing metered poetry.—
Kevin Roose,
New York Times,
23 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Now, a group of penguins in Australia are stomping all over their love-bird reputation through cheating scandals and divorce — and wildlife experts are worried.—
Irene Wright,
Miami Herald,
21 Jan. 2025
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The Ravens stomped the visiting Bills, 35-10, in Week 4.—
Jeff Howe,
The Athletic,
16 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The Maze Runner actor sloughs off Roman’s moody persona, replacing that twin’s abrasive bluntness and struggle with idioms with the other’s quick wit and seductive charm.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Jan. 2025
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Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore-Minimizing & Polishing Powder Cleanser offers just enough grit to slough off dead skin.—
Lisa DeSantis,
Glamour,
29 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near flounder
Cite this Entry
“Flounder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flounder. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
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