Synonyms for

Stumble

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

Definition

to trip or miss one's step while walking or running

Synonyms & similar words

hit stagger bumble slipup tripup trip misstep lurch falter trip fall slip blunder flounder falter misstep stagger lurch totter wobble tumble bungle botch muddle mishandle error gaffe misjudgment

Synonyms by register

Formal

trip err falster

Informal

trip up flub mess up blow it

Literary

totter reel stagger

Antonyms

stride walk march advance progress saunter

Common collocations

  • stumble upon
  • stumble over
  • stumble and fall
  • stumble through
  • stumble in the dark
  • stumble on
  • stumble into

Word family

noun stumble
verb stumble

Usage note

While 'stumble' can refer to a physical loss of balance, it is also commonly used figuratively to mean making a mistake or finding something by chance. Be mindful of the context to understand the intended meaning.

Example sentences

  1. I watched the toddler stumble as he learned to walk.
  2. She stumbled over her words while giving the presentation.
  3. He was drunk and stumbled down the stairs.
  4. The athlete stumbled at the finish line and lost the race.
  5. I tend to stumble when I'm tired and not paying attention.

Quotes

  • Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts. - Winston Churchill
  • The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. - Nelson Mandela
  • I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. - Thomas Edison

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