FLOUNDERS Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

flounders

verb

present tense third-person singular of flounder

as in stumbles

to proceed or act clumsily or ineffectually unprepared choristers who floundered helplessly through the musical number

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as in shuffles

to move heavily or clumsily the car floundered through the heavy wet snow, constantly getting stuck

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of flounders 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flounders

Verb

An irresolvable knot of wickedness who acts on impulse and has seemingly no capacity for empathy, Cathy stumbles into the heart of the Trask family’s jealousy and ambition.

— Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
But here, too, Wladyka stumbles, opting for a comforting but pat ending about how dance and art enliven so many lives.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of stumbles

Verb

Not only does Jeong-yo have an emotional connection to his music performance that Pi-o struggles to find himself, but Pi-o has injured his pinky in the leadup to the final performance, thanks to his obsessive practicing.

— Kayti Burt, Time, 6 Oct. 2026
As someone who struggles with the dizzying effects of altitude, I was quickly reminded of Santa Fe’s 7,000-foot elevation.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of struggles

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floundering

flounders

flourish

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“Flounders.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flounders. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of flounders

verb

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