fumble
verb (used without object)
to feel or grope about clumsily.
fumbled
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past participleof fumble.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof fumble.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
fumbleverb (used without object)to feel or grope about clumsily.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Just one week after throwing a backbreaking late interception, Manning missed an open receiver and fumbled the ball away on the Longhorns’ final possession against unranked Florida.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 18, 2026
Over the course of four minutes, the robot fumbled with the towel’s floppy and unwieldy shape as it slowly smoothed out the fabric, located the corners and lined up the edges.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 16, 2026
Then, in overtime, the Bills were on the verge of scoring on their first drive when Cook fumbled.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2026
More poor finishing came in the rain in New York as the Cleveland Browns missed an extra point and then Corey Bojorquez fumbled a late punt which the Jets turned into the winning touchdown.
From BBC ● Oct. 12, 2026
Clare fumbled for a less offensive way to say it.
From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman
