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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fumbled
Adjective
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These transitions, between past and present, are sometimes clumsy but sometimes genuinely sweet, as with an old letter that near-simultaneously is dictated and written, received and read, and finally rediscovered (and only partially understood) in the 21st century.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
27 May 2025 -
Wildlife officials helped remove a black bear found hanging out in the kitchen of a Kentucky home after an impressive, yet clumsy break-in, photos show.—
Mitchell Willetts,
Kansas City Star,
25 May 2025
Verb
-
In the end, Harris lost the opportunity to campaign for votes in key states, looked foolish in doing so, and got zero from her Joe Rogan experience.—
Amie Parnes,
The Hill,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso looked incredible in gold with a Milanese strap, as did several of the new complications, while Patek Philippe gave its Calatrava fresh momentum through subtle design evolution.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
From awkward silences to unresolved tensions, most of us would rather scroll, text, or disappear than risk a moment of raw, honest connection.—
Margie Warrell,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
-
The feelings of being sweaty, red-faced and kind of awkward is very familiar to me.—
Mark Olsen,
Los Angeles Times,
5 June 2025
Verb
-
Poland has now reached the final twice, losing on both occasions.—
James Hansen,
The Athletic,
5 Jan. 2025
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The movie also reached $100M in international box office gross faster than its predecessors.—
Nancy Tartaglione,
Deadline,
5 Jan. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
Adjective
-
When a crack appears, in the form of a recession, a botched show of force, or an élite split, the ruling order must reform, bargain, or collapse.—
Evan Osnos,
New Yorker,
26 May 2025
-
That was a reference to the botched Tonight Show transition at NBC where O’Brien, then the popular host of NBC’s Late Night, was promised The Tonight Show to stay at NBC.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
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From long-lasting formulas to felt pens that behave almost like calligraphy markers, there’s an option for every skill level, eye shape, and makeup mood.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
24 Apr. 2025
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Highlights include classes in spinning, dyeing and felting along with weaving, bobbin lace-making and basketry.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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Cite this Entry
“Fumbled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fumbled. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
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