1
as in to stumble
to proceed or act clumsily or ineffectually
unprepared choristers who floundered helplessly through the musical number
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to shuffle
to move heavily or clumsily
the car floundered through the heavy wet snow, constantly getting stuck
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of flounder
In 2020, when many saw in Joe Biden a floundering candidate, a loose coalition of black women activists saw an opportunity.
—
Ta-Nehisi Coates,
Vanity Fair,
15 June 2026
If this doesn’t work, the Heat will flounder for at least a half of a decade or longer.
—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
14 June 2026
Henry, the principal owner, has made Kennedy the team spokesman and Kennedy said he’s not focused on his own job security as the organization flounders into obscurity.
—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
11 June 2026
The comedian admits floundering in his mid-20s and winding up behind bars.
—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for flounder
Ta-Nehisi Coates,
Vanity Fair,
15 June 2026
If this doesn’t work, the Heat will flounder for at least a half of a decade or longer.
—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
14 June 2026
Henry, the principal owner, has made Kennedy the team spokesman and Kennedy said he’s not focused on his own job security as the organization flounders into obscurity.
—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
11 June 2026
The comedian admits floundering in his mid-20s and winding up behind bars.
—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for flounder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flounder
Verb
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Scientists have stumbled on a rare dinosaur fossil from Antarctica, tucked away for decades in a drawer.
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However, Portugal stumbled in its opening match, managing only a 1–1 draw against the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Verb
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As soon as the game wrapped up, those guests shuffled out, and hours later were replaced by a rowdier group ordering shots at the bar, dancing to 2000s hits in front of the DJ booth and smoking vape pens on the outdoor patio.
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Pretoria responded to the threat of violence in June 30 protests with millions of dollars shuffled inside the police budget, tactical units deployed, and soldiers on standby.
Verb
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Amid the mutiny in the House, Johnson canceled unrelated votes, struggling to get enough support to move the legislation.
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The Pirates posted a six-run fifth inning against struggling starter Aaron Nola (3-5).
Verb
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The name Chelydra serpentina evokes colossal reptiles stomping through ancient forests.
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If anything, the dichotomy between the pop star who prances around Versailles in a sheer nightie and the pop star who stomps onstage in knee-high combat boots feels completely authentic and intentional.
Verb
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Compared with synthetic fibers, which slough off microplastics that pollute waterways, land and air, natural fibers can be grown or raised in ways that sequester carbon, improve soil health and reduce inputs like pesticides, resulting in a lower environmental footprint, Pingree said.
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Primarily, there are beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) courtesy of lipo hydroxy acid (LHA), a deep-penetrating chemical exfoliant that gently sloughs off old, dead cells to reveal brighter, fresher skin.
Cite this Entry
“Flounder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flounder. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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