as in to fumble
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way
he booted the answer of what should have been an easy question
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in kick
a pleasurably intense stimulation of the feelings
the fans got a real boot out the team's lopsided victory over its longtime rivals
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of boot
Daniel Rivero, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Her makeup accentuated her serene visage with lined eyes and a pink lip to boot.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 7 Jan. 2026
Nicole Werbeck, NPR, 31 Dec. 2025
The boot was pointed in front and featured a block heel.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for boot
Verb
The theater — which turns 100 years old this year — was the longtime home of the Miami Film Festival and other film festivals until the city booted the college from the premises in 2022.
—Noun
Most Christmas markets across Europe serve Glühwein in collectible mugs with the market's logo or shaped like Santa's boot.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for boot
Verb
-
Ball security The Hurricanes have fumbled the ball four times in the past two games and lost two of them — one apiece by Malachi Toney (first round against Texas A&M) and Fletcher (quarterfinal against Ohio State).—
-
Herbert, who threw four interceptions in his last postseason appearance, fumbled five times after only coughing up the ball twice in his first 12 games this season.—
Noun
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For those who love the chicken with a little kick, this creamy, extra flavorful casserole will win over anyone at the table.—
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Add a pinch of cayenne, cumin, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty, savory twist that gives your morning a flavorful kick.—
Verb
-
Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
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Somehow, this new sensation emitted an awareness of the magnitude in which skateboarding would warp my life, which only ratcheted up the anxiety of blowing it.—
Noun
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More advanced skiers and snowboarders can seek their thrills in Huckleberry Bowl near the resort’s summit, famous for deep powder in its ungroomed areas.—
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An overreliance on tools weakens our civilization (and saps the film’s dramatic thrills).—
Verb
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But this week, the unwelcome house guest, dubbed Yellow 2120 by researchers, finally got his formal eviction notice.—
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The video showed the mysterious concept, dubbed Corleo, roaming rocky terrain, leaping over icy crevasses, crossing snowy landscapes without losing its footing, and traversing a dark forest at night — all while carrying an adult rider on its back and being powered by a hydrogen power cell.—
Verb
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And, from this week’s issue, Nicola Twilley’s reporting on another lingering effect of the wildfires—smoke taint that is ruining grapes and threatening California’s wine industry.—
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This will either change your life or ruin you.—
Video
Some Odd Words with ISMO: "Junk in the Trunk"
Comedian ISMO on what separates a boot from a trunk
Cite this Entry
“Boot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boot. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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