botched 1 of 2

adjective

ˈbächt How to pronounce botched (audio)
Definition of botchednext
as in clumsy
showing or marked by a lack of skill and tact (as in dealing with a situation) a botched attempt to mend relations with our disaffected European allies

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

botched

2 of 2

verb

past tense of botch
as in fumbled
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way the first time we tried to make a cake, we botched the job completely

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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 botched
Adjective
The botched merger proved costly, and its fallout is ongoing. — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 14 Oct. 2026 Confusion appears to be a recurring theme surrounding Pike’s botched execution, and that is evident in the events that unfolded thereafter. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
The low point came during Super Bowl LVIII, when Romo botched the call of Patrick Mahomes' game-winning touchdown pass in overtime, a moment many viewed as symbolic of his decline in the booth. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026 Some contractor, or postal maintenance employee, had botched the repair. — Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for botched
Recent Examples of Synonyms for botched
  1. clumsy
  2. fumbled
  3. awkward
  4. bungled
  5. blew
  6. ruined
Adjective
  • Some Latinas are nerds, and some Latinas are quirky, and some of them are goofy and some of them are clumsy.
    — Johanna Ferreira, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • One of the clumsiest parts of Klosterman’s book is his attempts at political punditry.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of clumsy
Verb
  • However, Cam Skattebo fumbled to give Washington an opportunity.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • With Oregon outside linebacker Nasir Wyatt blitzing, Iamaleava attempted to throw the ball away to the flat and instead fumbled, giving the Ducks the ball on the Bruins’ one-yard-line.
    — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of fumbled
Adjective
  • The latest unit retains the same first six forward ratios as the outgoing Carrera T’s manual transmission, but ditches its predecessor’s somewhat awkward and largely superfluous seventh gear.
    — Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Unsurprisingly, writers have developed a myriad of strategies and tricks to push through this awkward stage.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of awkward
Verb
  • On September 30th, the state of Tennessee bungled its attempt to kill Christa Pike, who survived two injections of pentobarbital.
    — Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Though usually a very smooth operator, Latif has bungled the latest job for his handler Mike (Laith Nakli).
    — Damon Wise, Deadline, 13 Sep. 2026
Definition of bungled
Verb
  • On Saturday morning, temperatures in the fire area were in the mid-80s and winds blew at about 15 mph.
    — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • There have been two times, and maybe three, since 2020 when Baylor should have won the game, but blew it.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of blew
Verb
  • Janice was disgusted; Mary was emotionally devastated and financially ruined.
    — Ben Taub, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Totally ruined by introducing too many plot lines that were pointless or opened up and left alone without closure.
    — David Hookstead OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of ruined

Browse Nearby Words

botch
botched
botcher
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Cite this Entry

“Botched.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/botched. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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