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
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Recent Examples of fumble
Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 26 Mar. 2025
Of course Mendenhall also had a critical fumble in the Steelers’ loss to Green Bay in the Super Bowl that year.
—Rob Reischel, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Staff Author, EW.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Amid the hesitation, Mitchell fumbled the ball out of bounds.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fumble
Noun
One of the most impactful defensive plays came from linebacker Mason Carrier forcing a fumble.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 26 Mar. 2025
Of course Mendenhall also had a critical fumble in the Steelers’ loss to Green Bay in the Super Bowl that year.
—Rob Reischel, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Verb
The film itself lacks much of the original’s charms (here, the dogs don’t speak), and John Hughes’ so-so script borrows heavily from his earlier film Home Alone, right down to the two fumbling bandits (Hugh Laurie and Mark Williams, playing Cruella’s henchmen).
—Staff Author, EW.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Amid the hesitation, Mitchell fumbled the ball out of bounds.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fumble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fumble
Noun
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There is a huge difference between preparing with the obsession of not making mistakes and preparing with the desire to effectively convey a message.—
Chiara Alzati,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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Before formally apologizing to her, Phillips tells Danny about how the stringent demands of Dr. Broussard, who visited Maguire in Episode 4, led him to nick a vessel during an outpatient procedure on a 20-year-old man named Julio, and Phillips’ parents then covered up his fatal mistake.—
Max Gao,
Variety,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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What used to build brands now risks blowing them up.—
Remy Blumenfeld,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Apr. 2025
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Miles Caton blew me away and Michael B. jordan is incredible.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Depardieu is accused of groping one of the women on the film set in front of three witnesses.—
USA TODAY,
USA TODAY,
24 Mar. 2025
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According to prosecutors, Depardieu allegedly held the 54-year-old woman with his legs, groping her waist and breasts as witnesses looked on, the AP reports.—
KC Baker,
People.com,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Discovery: On a hike with her family, a 3-year-old stumbled across a 3,800-year-old Egyptian amulet.—
Justin Porter,
New York Times,
4 Apr. 2025
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Forty-two years later, during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, Steves stumbled upon his diary, rereading passages about his formative trip.—
Laura Manske,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The lawyer, author and consulting firm CEO has spent more than 30 years counseling people through their biggest blunders and controversies, from former president George H. W. Bush to Fortune 500 CEOs and professional athletes.—
Ashton Jackson,
CNBC,
8 Apr. 2025
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Russell Westbrook bounced back from his decisive blunder against Minnesota by scoring a season-high 30 points and adding 11 rebounds, six assists and three steals.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The Cubs added a run in the inning when third baseman Manny Machado booted Swanson’s grounder.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2025
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Ophiuchus got booted out despite the sun spending a long time within it from Nov. 29–Dec. 17 (commonly thought of as Sagittarius despite the sun being in that constellation from Dec. 17–Jan. 20.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The seasonal beach community off South Carolina is usually a place to work on your swing, but here looked more like Davos for the owners box crowd.—
Matt Donnelly,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2025
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Related Stories 2025 Premiere Dates For New & Returning Series On Broadcast, Cable & Streaming Netflix Will Hike Prices If UK Introduces Streamer Levy Sources close to production reveal that casting is underway for the perfect flowy white button-down shirt that looks great both wet and dry.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Jennifer Coolidge, who originated the role of heiress Tanya McQuoid in Season 1, returned for Season 2, only to die by tripping and hitting her head on a boat and drowning.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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Standout episodes see the besties trip out with Anderson .Paak at Afropunk and shine a light on trans joy with Peppermint.—
EW Staff Published,
EW.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fumble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fumble. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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