stumble
6 synonyms for stumble, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To trip or lose one’s balance while walking.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use stumble
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
stumble upon
stumble across
stumble over words
Etymology
From a Proto-Germanic root related to "tripping" or "stammering," making it a distant relative of the word stammer.
Full origin of stumble →Frequently asked questions
What does “stumble” mean?
The word “stumble” means to trip or lose one’s balance while walking. In plain terms, to trip physically, to fumble while speaking, or to find something unexpectedly.
How do you pronounce “stumble”?
“Stumble” is pronounced STUHM-buhl (/ˈstʌmbəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “stumble” in a sentence?
Here is “stumble” used in a sentence: “She stumbled on the uneven pavement but didn’t fall.”
What part of speech is “stumble”?
“Stumble” is a verb.
Where does the word “stumble” come from?
The word “stumble” comes from Proto-Germanic. From a Proto-Germanic root related to "tripping" or "stammering," making it a distant relative of the word stammer.
Is “stumble” a common word?
“Stumble” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “stumble” have?
“Stumble” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to trip or lose one’s balance while walking.
Related words
stumbling block
