Synonyms for

Tumble

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

Definition

to fall suddenly and clumsily

Synonyms & similar words

topple collapse whirlaround getwise getit spill twig cottonon latchon breakdown fall tip crumble whirl crumple getonto catchon fall trip slip stumble topple drop plunge crash collapse

Synonyms by register

Formal

fall plunge descend drop

Informal

fall over tip over take a spill go down

Literary

founder careen topple

Antonyms

ascend climb mount rise soar escalate

Common collocations

  • tumble down
  • tumble over
  • tumble into
  • tumble out
  • tumble dry
  • tumble to the ground
  • tumble into disrepair

Word family

noun tumble
verb tumble
adjective tumbling

Usage note

While 'tumble' often implies an uncontrolled fall, it can also refer to a controlled descent, such as in 'tumble dry'. Be mindful of context to avoid ambiguity.

Example sentences

  1. I watched the leaves tumble down from the tree.
  2. The ball started to tumble down the hill.
  3. The gymnast did a tumble in the air.
  4. I accidentally knocked over the tower of blocks and it started to tumble.
  5. The car tumbled off the cliff and into the water.

Quotes

  • Life is like a game of cards. The hand you are dealt is determinism; the way you play it is free will. - Jawaharlal Nehru
  • One small crack does not mean that you are broken, it means that you were put to the test and you didn't fall apart. - Linda Poindexter
  • You've got to learn to leave the table when love's no longer being served. - Nina Simone

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