staggering 1 of 3

adjective

ˈsta-g(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce staggering (audio)
Definition of staggeringnext
as in astonishing
causing wonder or astonishment the staggering scope of the new construction on campus

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

staggering

2 of 3

noun

as in wobbling

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Dissimilar Words

staggering

3 of 3

verb

present participle of stagger
1
as in lurching
to move forward while swaying from side to side I was so tired last night that I just staggered upstairs to bed without eating dinner

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in faltering
to show uncertainty about the right course of action a daunting problem that would make even the most decisive person stagger just a bit

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 staggering
Adjective
Ford’s labor turnover rate skyrocketed to a staggering 370% in 1913, forcing him to hire more than 50,000 workers just to maintain a baseline workforce of 14,000. — Jason Dressel, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026 Inexplicably, the look sparked speculation online, as a staggering number of trolls questioned if Hathaway’s pregnant belly was actually real. — Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
As the Transit officers descended down to the 4/5/6 platform, one of Griffin’s victims came staggering up the stairs, seeking medial attention, Tisch said. — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2026 Instead of staggering the fests and conferences over nine or 11 days, everything is now crammed into the same seven-day period, including film and TV, education, comedy and tech. — Thor Christensen, Dallas Morning News, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for staggering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for staggering
  1. astonishing
  2. wobbling
  3. lurching
  4. faltering
  5. amazing
  6. indecision
  7. reeling
  8. hesitating
Adjective
  • However, due to headwinds, that was reduced to 74 minutes, which was and still continues to be an astonishing achievement.
    — Dhananjay Khadilkar, ArsTechnica, 7 Aug. 2026
  • It’s expected to perform an astonishing number of tasks simultaneously.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of astonishing
Noun
  • During testing, the creator found that the stock connection caused excessive wobbling while driving, leading to the development of a custom dual-rod mechanism designed to stabilize head movement.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 22 May 2026
  • Losers often exit the octagon wobbling, smiling, fogged, concussed.
    — David Remnick, New Yorker, 22 May 2026
Definition of wobbling
Verb
  • The United States, which had been lurching toward entry in the Second World War, was suddenly and inescapably thrust into global conflict.
    — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Republicans see Democrats lurching to the left and embracing socialism as an opening to link their opponents to the far more radical communism.
    — Garrett Downs, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of lurching
Verb
  • Two decades’ worth of Chinese investments in research and foreign policy are coming into bloom, Osnos writes, at the same moment that America is faltering on the world stage.
    — David Remnick, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The Athletic spoke to those close to Rooney — who did so anonymously to protect relationships — about his transformation from faltering broadcaster to one of the bright points of the national broadcaster’s coverage.
    — Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of faltering
Adjective
  • The bride adds that working with all the amazing local vendors was truly a highlight.
    — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Her energy, dedication, spirit and connection with the kids are amazing.
    — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of amazing
Noun
  • That indecision has made deals more difficult to close so far.
    — Jim Bowden, New York Times, 30 July 2026
  • Because in growing organizations, indecision is rarely neutral.
    — Nathan Mitchell, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of indecision
Verb
  • Characters like Jacob Merrick, the small-town Jersey cop whose Pentagon clerk sister’s suicide has left him reeling.
    — Chris Klimek, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2026
  • In a high-stakes gambit, Ellison is weighing moving Paramount’s operations to Tennessee or Texas, which has rattled an industry already reeling from thousands of job losses.
    — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of reeling
Verb
  • So electric power companies and regulators are cautious, hesitating to construct plants unless future demand is guaranteed.
    — Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Suarez, not hesitating, took advantage and sent his shot soaring.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of hesitating

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Cite this Entry

“Staggering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/staggering. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on staggering

Nglish: Translation of staggering for Spanish Speakers

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