as in to stagger
to move forward while swaying from side to side the duck waddled back into the water we watched the penguins waddle over the ice together
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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 waddle One solitary penguin rejects the breeding and feeding grounds of his fellow birds, and waddles toward icy mountains in the distance, undoubtedly to its death. —
Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026 Grande then waddles out in the over-the-top ensemble, only to be met by Grombol, who breaks the bad news that the Christmas tree is no longer available to view. —Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 17 Dec. 2025 Eventually, the group waddles the alligator over to a waiting pickup truck and manages to lift the reptile even higher to push it into the bed of the truck. —Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025 When Paddington first waddles on stage during the new West End musical based on the beloved bear, the audience at the Savoy Theatre can hardly contain their excitement. —Ellise Shafer, Variety, 30 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for waddle
Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026 Grande then waddles out in the over-the-top ensemble, only to be met by Grombol, who breaks the bad news that the Christmas tree is no longer available to view. —Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 17 Dec. 2025 Eventually, the group waddles the alligator over to a waiting pickup truck and manages to lift the reptile even higher to push it into the bed of the truck. —Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025 When Paddington first waddles on stage during the new West End musical based on the beloved bear, the audience at the Savoy Theatre can hardly contain their excitement. —Ellise Shafer, Variety, 30 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for waddle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for waddle
Verb
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To stagger the terms, seats two and four — which were elected in 2025 — would serve three-year transitional terms through 2028.— James Wilkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
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Murray and Johnson staggered with the bench unit.— Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 18 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Wembanyama lurched forward, toppled and slammed the right side of his face on the floor.— Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
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When robots lurched, slipped, and occasionally froze mid-stride at the 2026 Beijing half-marathon on April 19, the internet quickly turned the spectacle into a meme.— Ni Tao, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The mandolins weave intricate patterns together, in counterpoint or unison.— Tim Parks, New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2026
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This over 1,000-mile route weaves through breathtaking Great Lakes landscapes, tracing the edge of the glacier that covered these parts over 12,000 years ago.— Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Models are tottering on the cobblestoned Bond Street with their heels getting stuck in the rivets.— Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 13 Feb. 2026
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Now, even that tiny effort is tottering.— Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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With Estévez out, the Royals had to shuffle the bullpen.— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 Apr. 2026
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Of course, no rotation shuffling is imminent with Rodón expected to make at least three rehab starts and Cole moving at a slower pace following Tommy John surgery.— Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Waddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/waddle. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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