as in fumbles
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way
bungled the job the first time she tried to do it
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Recent Examples of bungles
Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
Gentleman thief Sir Charles Lytton (David Niven) circles the prize while Inspector Jacques Clouseau (Peter Sellers) bungles the pursuit with sublime obliviousness.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for bungles
Verb
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The Seahawks are a high-turnover team on both sides of the ball, but the 49ers have forced just two takeaways in the season series — both fumbles in the opener.—
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The Honda backs up a few feet as the agent fumbles at the door handle.—
Noun
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During last week's WWE SmackDown, a series of mistakes and botches drew harsh criticism from fans.—
Verb
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The Celtics traded blows with one of the top teams in the NBA on Saturday night.—
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The teams traded blows throughout the second half with neither leading by more than four points.—
Cite this Entry
“Bungles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bungles. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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