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
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of botched
Staff Reports, Orlando Sentinel, 23 Nov. 2024
In particular, the 2015 Mamasapano massacre, in which Islamist rebels allegedly slaughtered 44 policemen during a botched counterterrorism operation, undercut public support for peace negotiations with the group responsible for the massacre, MILF.
—Richard Javad Heydarian, Foreign Affairs, 28 June 2017
Three Americans were convicted of taking part in a botched coup against the president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and have been sentenced to death.
—Josh Feldman, NBC News, 15 Sep. 2024
Sky hasn't confirmed the cause of the problem, but a botched update is largely suspected.
—Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 20 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for botched 
Adjective
After Lake Mary failed to capitalize on Spruce Creek’s botched punt, Rams senior kicker Emilio Bacardi drills a 41-yard field goal with 1:24 left in the first half.
—Staff Reports, Orlando Sentinel, 23 Nov. 2024
In particular, the 2015 Mamasapano massacre, in which Islamist rebels allegedly slaughtered 44 policemen during a botched counterterrorism operation, undercut public support for peace negotiations with the group responsible for the massacre, MILF.
—Richard Javad Heydarian, Foreign Affairs, 28 June 2017
Three Americans were convicted of taking part in a botched coup against the president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and have been sentenced to death.
—Josh Feldman, NBC News, 15 Sep. 2024
Sky hasn't confirmed the cause of the problem, but a botched update is largely suspected.
—Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 20 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for botched
Recent Examples of Synonyms for botched
Adjective
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In a moment when Liston was hurling a clumsy punch and his balance was susceptible, Ali threw what looked like a swiping right graze at his opponent’s head.—
Mikal Gilmore,
Rolling Stone,
17 Jan. 2025
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Even observers who think the outlook for China’s economy is less dire agree that its growth is slowing and will be constrained by structural challenges and a clumsy policymaking process.—
Jude Blanchette,
Foreign Affairs,
7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Listen to Marsden recall the awkward encounter in the clip above.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
24 Jan. 2025
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In his defense, the Anti-Defamation League tweeted from X that Musk’s gesture seemed to be an awkward expression of enthusiasm.—
Quartz Intelligence Newsroom,
Quartz,
24 Jan. 2025
Verb
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And then in Joker 2, some people complained that the movie was ruined by the images on the screen and the sounds that accompanied them.—
Lexy Perez,
The Hollywood Reporter,
6 Jan. 2025
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Believing their beloved team already ruined mock drafting for the next two months, New York Giants fans probably hope for a loss against a Philadelphia Eagles team expected to rest starters Sunday.—
Jeff Howe,
The Athletic,
4 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near botched
Cite this Entry
“Botched.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/botched. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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