staggering 1 of 3

adjective

ˈsta-g(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce staggering (audio)
Definition of staggeringnext
as in astonishing
causing wonder or astonishment the staggering scope of the new construction on campus

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

staggering

2 of 3

noun

as in wobbling

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staggering

3 of 3

verb

present participle of stagger
1
as in lurching
to move forward while swaying from side to side I was so tired last night that I just staggered upstairs to bed without eating dinner

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in faltering
to show uncertainty about the right course of action a daunting problem that would make even the most decisive person stagger just a bit

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 staggering
Adjective
This cost is much larger than the administrative costs and could be staggering for many states. — Tracy Roof, The Conversation, 5 Oct. 2026 California’s unclaimed property system oversees a staggering number of assets, valued at roughly $15 billion as of June. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2026
Verb
The Powell-Herro partnership also was never able to consistently produce positive results, as the Heat was left staggering their minutes by the end of the season. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026 As the Transit officers descended down to the 4/5/6 platform, one of Griffin’s victims came staggering up the stairs, seeking medial attention, Tisch said. — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for staggering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for staggering
  1. astonishing
  2. wobbling
  3. lurching
  4. faltering
  5. amazing
  6. indecision
  7. reeling
  8. hesitating
Adjective
  • OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, had recently disclosed astonishing details about how its artificial intelligence agents had broken out of their systems, hacked into another company and tried to cover their tracks.
    — Gerrit De Vynck, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Beyond attempting to smooth the industry’s many ruffled feathers, Hollywood’s newest mogul must now also wrestle down an astonishing $80 billion in debt accrued as a result of this highly leveraged merger.
    — Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of astonishing
Noun
  • The swift rebound when a nation switches from a wobbling to hard currency is a scenario Hanke has witnessed many times before in his adventures as the Money Doctor.
    — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Softening rather than stiffening when moving through space requires embracing your body’s natural sway and tiny micro-movements, like an ankle wobbling or knee jiggling.
    — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of wobbling
Verb
  • Maybe this is what the Chargers are — lurching, sputtering and unable to consistently move the football, despite an offensive overhaul packed with lofty expectations.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
  • One more try and the orchestra slides up the expressive contrast a few notches to intensify the feeling of lurching from mood to mood.
    — Justin Davidson, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of lurching
Verb
  • There were early indicators that both programs and public engagement were faltering under the board’s new leadership.
    — E. Andrew Taylor, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The grandees of Gullen have set their hopes on Claire’s bankrolling their faltering community’s recovery.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of faltering
Adjective
  • This is amazing because everyone gets great views and natural light.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • This is him in 2014 when a lot of people were like, ‘This guy is amazing.
    — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of amazing
Noun
  • After days of indecision, NASCAR disciplined seven people who participated in the attack on young racing star Corey Heim in front of a concession stand at Martinsville Speedway shortly after the ValleyStar Credit Union 300 on Saturday.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Alex wants to hold on and let go at once, and her indecision spirals into a familiar yet attuned portrait of middle-age upheaval.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of indecision
Verb
  • The New York Yankees were still reeling from a nasty gut punch — a 1-0 loss to the rival Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of the best-of-five American League Division Series at Tropicana Field on Saturday night.
    — Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
  • At that time, the company’s Fisher-Price, Barbie and American Girl brands were struggling to connect with changing consumer tastes and Mattel was reeling from the recent bankruptcy of Toys R Us.
    — Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of reeling
Verb
  • But experts have worried that doctors are hesitating to offer treatment without an ironclad diagnosis, which clinicians say can take time and increase risks to the mother.
    — Andrea Suozzo, ProPublica, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Fertilizer is often bought months ahead of planting, so hesitating in the fall can mean less goes on the ground in the spring.
    — Jayash Paudel, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of hesitating

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Cite this Entry

“Staggering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/staggering. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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