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Definitions

stagger

[stag-er] / ˈstæg ər /
VERB
walk falteringly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
careen falter lurch reel shake teeter wobble
STRONG
alternate dither halt hesitate overlap pitch stammer step sway swing topple totter vacillate waver wheel zigzag
WEAK
titubate whiffle
Antonyms
STRONG
carry on continue stay
VERB
astound, shock
Synonyms
STRONGEST
amaze astonish devastate dumbfound overwhelm paralyze puzzle shake shatter startle stun
STRONG
boggle confound consternate flabbergast floor nonplus overpower perplex stump stupefy surprise
WEAK
bowl over give a shock strike dumb take aback take breath away throw off balance
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calm expect explain help
STRONG
clarify clear up enlighten

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Authorities in the Philippines are also talking to oil companies about ways to stagger pump-price increases and considering temporary tax cuts on fuel if crude prices rise sharply.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

Brown managed to stagger out of Buck’s apartment to a nearby gas station, where he called 911.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2026

Asian investors battled Wednesday to kickstart a recovery in equities following the latest stagger across world markets that has been caused by worries over an AI-fuelled bubble and uncertainty over US interest rates.

From Barron's • Nov. 19, 2025

One way to mitigate this would be for different regions to stagger their school summer holidays, suggests Which?

From BBC • Jul. 19, 2025

When I reached him, I threw my arms around him, making him stagger back.

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows