1
as in revelling
to completely give (oneself) over to something (such as an emotion)
After being laid off, he spent much of his time wallowing in self-pity. They wallowed in all the indulgences provided by the resort.
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2
as in shuffling
to roll around in an ungainly manner
We saw a herd of cattle wallowing in the marsh.
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Recent Examples of wallowing
My father was living alone in that dark, filthy room like an old animal wallowing in its own excrement.
—
Lee Chang-Dong, The New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2024
To avoid wallowing in their pity and reassurances, the women recite their own medical ailments (hyperthyroidism, gallstones, diabetes, irritable bowel) and promise to be there for each other.
—Sara Netzley, EW.com, 19 Dec. 2024
This is not about wallowing in self-pity but rather accepting that setbacks happen to everyone.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Instead of wallowing in her misery, the musician decides to spread some cheer by sending five Christmas cards to people who have positively influenced her life to some pretty magical results.
—Nicole Briese, People.com, 16 Dec. 2024
The New York Yankees are not wallowing in misery after missing out on free agent outfielder Juan Soto and what would have been a 16-year, $760 million contract based on the final offer reported by various members of the media.
—Wayne G. McDonnell, Jr., Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Now your Friday nights are wide open, but instead of wallowing alone, proactively call your friends and make plans.
—Jenny McCoy, Glamour, 6 Dec. 2024
Stories of rollover IRAs wallowing in cash for decades, and missing out on hundreds of thousands of dollars in compound interest, are the stuff of nightmares, some financial advisers said.
—Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024
Lee Chang-Dong, The New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2024
To avoid wallowing in their pity and reassurances, the women recite their own medical ailments (hyperthyroidism, gallstones, diabetes, irritable bowel) and promise to be there for each other.
—Sara Netzley, EW.com, 19 Dec. 2024
This is not about wallowing in self-pity but rather accepting that setbacks happen to everyone.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Instead of wallowing in her misery, the musician decides to spread some cheer by sending five Christmas cards to people who have positively influenced her life to some pretty magical results.
—Nicole Briese, People.com, 16 Dec. 2024
The New York Yankees are not wallowing in misery after missing out on free agent outfielder Juan Soto and what would have been a 16-year, $760 million contract based on the final offer reported by various members of the media.
—Wayne G. McDonnell, Jr., Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Now your Friday nights are wide open, but instead of wallowing alone, proactively call your friends and make plans.
—Jenny McCoy, Glamour, 6 Dec. 2024
Stories of rollover IRAs wallowing in cash for decades, and missing out on hundreds of thousands of dollars in compound interest, are the stuff of nightmares, some financial advisers said.
—Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wallowing
Verb
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But the $12 billion decline in his fortune has more to do with asset shuffling than stock price movement.—
Julie Goldenberg,
Forbes,
21 Dec. 2024
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James has been shuffling back and forth between the NBA and the G League.—
Benedict Cosgrove,
Newsweek,
19 Dec. 2024
Verb
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More momentum-swaying sequences occurred in the second quarter.—
Alec Lewis,
The Athletic,
6 Jan. 2025
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Sandy shores, a deep blue ocean, swaying palm trees?—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
30 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Just remember to label your edibles clearly and let everyone know the potency before indulging.—
Matt Rozo,
The Mercury News,
17 Mar. 2025
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In America, self-control is framed as a personal choice — a way to get in shape or prove mental toughness before indulging again.—
Julie Cobalt,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Feb. 2025
Verb
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But because of passenger complaints and the need to revitalize a struggling tourist economy, the government adopted new regulations last month that will force a change in these habits.—
Natasha Frost,
New York Times,
6 Jan. 2025
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The state has grown increasingly reliant on unlicensed teachers because schools are struggling to retain experienced educators.—
Silas Allen,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Nothing quite compares to the joy of sitting by the beach, breathing in the warm ocean breeze, and basking in the beauty of your surroundings.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
9 Apr. 2025
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Tortuga Bay is where visitors can surely encounter marine iguanas basking on the lava rocks or making their way in and out of the sea to feed on underwater algae.—
Emese Maczko,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wallowing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wallowing. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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