Synonyms for
Stumbling
Definition
to trip or lose balance while walking or running
Synonyms & similar words
Synonyms by register
Formal
Informal
Literary
Antonyms
Common collocations
- stumbling block
- stumbling around
- stumbling over words
- stumbling in the dark
- stumbling upon a discovery
- stumbling gait
- stumbling through a speech
Word family
Usage note
Stumbling often implies a loss of balance or a mistake. It can be literal (physical tripping) or figurative (making an error in speech or action).
Example sentences
- I was stumbling over rocks on my way to the river.
- She was stumbling down the stairs when she tripped on her shoelace.
- He was stumbling after drinking too much alcohol.
- The baby is just learning to walk, so he is stumbling a lot.
- The football player was stumbling to the sidelines after being hit hard by the opposing team.
Quotes
I was not designed to be forced. I will breathe after my own fashion. Let us see who is the strongest. - Henry David Thoreau
Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm. - Winston Churchill
Hope is like a road in the country; there was never a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence. - Lin Yutang