Synonyms for

Fumble

Verb / ˈfʌmbʌl / Another word for fumble — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To handle something clumsily or to make a mistake while doing something.

Synonyms & similar words

flub grope bungle bollocks messup fluff louseup mishandle fuckup botchup bumble bollix muff bobble bollixup ballup foulup muckup bodge screwup blow spoil botch blunder bollocksup bungle flounder botch mishandle mismanage muddle blunder flop stumble butcher mangle ruin spoiled misconduct

Synonyms by register

Formal

bungle mishandle botch blunder

Informal

drop mess up screw up flub flounder

Literary

stumble flounder trip

Antonyms

handle manage succeed excel master perform achieve

Common collocations

  • fumble the ball
  • fumble an opportunity
  • fumble for words
  • fumble in the dark
  • fumble with keys
  • fumble through a task

Word family

noun fumble
verb fumble

Usage note

Primarily used to describe dropping something or making a clumsy mistake, especially in sports. Can also refer to searching awkwardly or speaking hesitantly.

Example sentences

  1. I fumble with my shoelaces every morning.
  2. The quarterback fumbled the ball on the last play.
  3. She fumbled with the lock before finally opening the door.
  4. He fumbled his lines during the play.
  5. I always fumble when I'm nervous.

Quotes

  • We all fumble sometimes. The trick is not to make a habit of it.
  • Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.
  • I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.

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