Thesaurus results for STUMBLEBUM

stumblebum

noun

Definition of stumblebum

as in palooka

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as in fumbler

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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 stumblebum The stumblebum energy disarms us, which makes the gruesome cruelty of the kills that much more disturbing. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026 As opposed to palookas and has-beens and tin cans and stumblebums, a player who got waived departed with his dignity intact. — Joe Queenan, WSJ, 2 Nov. 2018 Gerald Ford, for all his stumblebum image, was a Yale Law School graduate and veteran of legislative details. — James Fallows, The Atlantic, 20 July 2017 The physicians lining up with Teirstein are not a bunch of stumblebums afraid of a few tests. — Kurt Eichenwald, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2015

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stumblebum

Noun

Sylvester Stallone's underdog tale about a struggling palooka given one shot at the heavyweight championship is a stirring sports movie with a level of charm and sweetness that dissipated in the rounds (and rounds) of sequels that followed.

— Brian Lowry, CNN, 25 July 2019
All this real guts and glory in Philadelphia, yet one of the big tourist attractions is to run up the Art Museum steps the way a palooka named Rocky Balboa did on the silver screen.

— Bill Livingston, cleveland.com, 1 Jan. 2018

Definition of palooka

Noun

Many weekend duffers buy their equipment at Dick’s Sporting Goods .

— Tom Rotunno, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2026
Prior to 2023, when the streamer hosted its first live sports event—the Netflix Cup featured F1 drivers and pro duffers squaring off in a nine-hole match—the company brass were adamant about staying out of that lane.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 25 Mar. 2026

Definition of duffer

Noun

The star slugger, who has been dealing with a soleus strain in his right calf since mid-September, was left off the roster for the start of the series against the Tampa Rays.

— Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 3 Oct. 2026
Former Braves infielder Orlando Arcia shouted that taunt in the visiting clubhouse after Phillies slugger Bryce Harper’s base-running mistake ended Game 2 of the 2023 National League Division Series.

— Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of slugger

Noun

The next season of the interview series brings together an eclectic lineup, including A-list Hollywood director Judd Apatow, Monty Python legend Eric Idle, and heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026
Long decided to show Carl standing in a spotlight, wearing white boxers with red hearts, shielding Princess Donut.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of boxer

Noun

Ali won, but both prizefighters left a part of themselves in that ring.

— Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026
Among the line-up are several Black Americans, one of whom is Oscar Rankin, a Black prizefighter and preacher, well known in the Black community.

— Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of prizefighter

Noun

Becerra was the clear winner, and to be honest, Hilton — usually a nimble pugilist — came across flat too much of the time.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
After finishing fourth in Stage 1, Bristol pugilist Carson Hocevar was part of a six-car restart wreck on Lap 122.

— Reid Spencer, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of pugilist

Noun

While gladiator shoes are more popular during the warmer months, shoes like Lyonne’s feel more fall-centric due to the materials utilized and the gold and neutral color scheme.

— Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 4 Oct. 2026
The family said the diagnosis likely stems from his racing career — one in which drivers crushed bumpers and raced like gladiators without the safety protections found in the sport now.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of gladiator

Noun

Rahtz is on the left, and Farmer is on the right with their pug, Doyle.

— Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 19 Sep. 2026
There was so much going on, whether the props department were working on setting up the flowers, setting up the food, the dog trainers were getting the pugs ready, or some of the actors were just hanging out talking.

— Daisy Leepson, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of pug

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

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Synonyms of stumblebum

noun

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