stumble (B1)

verb

Pronunciation: /ˈstʌm.bəl/

Definition

To trip and almost fall, or to walk in an unsteady way.

Examples

• He stumbled on a loose stone and nearly fell.

• She stumbled through the dark room, looking for the light switch.

• The old man stumbled out of the bar, leaning on his cane.

How to Use stumble

stumble on (prepositional phrase)

To trip on something. — "He stumbled on a rock and fell."

stumble over (prepositional phrase)

To trip on something. — "She stumbled over her own feet."

stumble into (prepositional phrase)

To find or enter something by chance. — "He stumbled into a fortune after inheriting money."

stumble upon (prepositional phrase)

To find or discover something by chance. — "We stumbled upon a hidden waterfall during our hike."

Synonyms of stumble

Words with a similar meaning to stumble:

• trip
• lurch
• totter
• stagger

Antonyms of stumble

Words with the opposite meaning to stumble:

• stride
• glide

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