FUMBLES Synonyms: 148 Similar and Opposite Words

fumbles 1 of 2

noun

plural of fumble

as in mistakes

an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy played the entire piano piece without a single fumble

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fumbles

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of fumble

as in blows

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in gropes

to search for something blindly or uncertainly the librarian fumbled for the light switch as she entered the dark room

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as in stumbles

to make a mistake just when it looked like he was going to get away with the ruse, he fumbled

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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.

Recent Examples of fumbles

Noun

One thing that makes Rodriguez such a great fit in what the Dolphins want to do defensively is his propensity to punch the ball out for forced fumbles. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026 The former Kentucky star owns a 5-16 record as a starter while throwing for 21 touchdowns and 16 interceptions to go along with a whopping 17 fumbles. — Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026 That stopped Saturday, starting with the two interceptions, a pair of fumbles, one pass breakup and a few would-be sacks. — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 1 Aug. 2026 In 2025, the Chiefs’ defense forced only eight fumbles, tied with the Green Bay Packers for the second-worst mark in the league — ahead of only the Tennessee Titans (7). — Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026 The Dolphins offense lost two fumbles, and threw two interceptions on Thursday, the team’s second on-field day of training camp. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026 When a robot fumbles, 6G provides a safety net via remote human teleoperation. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 23 July 2026 And Nix checks in at 23 interceptions, seven fumbles, two lost, for 25. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 17 July 2026 In the games so far, there have been quite a few fumbles and an apparent slackness of mind and limb. — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 24 June 2026

Verb

Sims catches a hitch and turns up field but fumbles the ball while switching hands. — Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2026 Tensions between the galley and the interior continue to escalate over lunch service, when a radio mishap fumbles the order in which the food should go out. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 26 May 2026 The movie fumbles the chance to do something arresting with this seminal period in art. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 12 May 2026 If the creditor fumbles the process, then an otherwise valid and collectible debt may be barred. — Virginia Hammerle, Dallas Morning News, 8 Mar. 2026 The Seahawks are a high-turnover team on both sides of the ball, but the 49ers have forced just two takeaways in the season series — both fumbles in the opener. — Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2026 The Honda backs up a few feet as the agent fumbles at the door handle. — George Petras, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026 Texas kick returner Ryan Niblett gets blasted on a kick return and fumbles the ball, and Michigan takes advantage with a 19-yard touchdown pass from Bryce Underwood to Kendrick Bell. — Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 31 Dec. 2025 For the one who fumbles with matches Sleek, sustainable, and a satisfying way to light candles. — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 15 Nov. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fumbles

Noun

As a more hands-off or less stressful option, many Americans turn to a bread machine for an easier homemade bread option, but this appliance presents a new set of questions and potential bread machine mistakes.

— Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Aug. 2026
An additional 2-foot buffer allows for the homeowner who prefers more of a flood safety cushion and for any minor construction mistakes.

— Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of mistakes

Verb

Drunken dragonrider Ulf the White's rage proves pivotal Debaucherous dragonrider Ulf White (Tom Bennett) stumbles into playing a major role in the final battle with his dragon Silverwing.

— Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026
Bartels and Howe pitched the movie as a love letter focusing on a single summer about a kid who stumbles into a restaurant and finds his calling.

— Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of stumbles

Noun

Avoid these 8 common design blunders to make the most of even the smallest garden.

— Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2026
In 2026, Mattel is doubling down and averting any PR blunders with a Holiday Barbie that, by all accounts, looks genuinely gorgeous.

— Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 29 July 2026

Definition of blunders

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fumblers

fumbles

fumbling

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Style

“Fumbles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fumbles. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of fumbles

noun

verb

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