mix up

1 of 2

verb

mixed up; mixing up; mixes up

1

: to mistakenly think that (someone or something) is someone or something else : confuse

mixed the twins up

mixed up the times for the meetings

2

: to mistakenly put (something) in a place where something else should be

mixed up the two files

3

: to cause (someone) to be involved in a usually dangerous or improper activity

—usually used as (be/get) mixed up in

got mixed up in an illegal scheme

4

: to cause (someone) to become involved with usually bad or dangerous people

mix-up

2 of 2

noun

ˈmiks-ˌəp 

1

: a state or instance of confusion

a mix-up in our hotel reservations

2

: mixture

3

: conflict, fight

Synonyms of mix up

Noun

• mistake
• confusion
• foul-up

Examples of mix up in a Sentence

Noun

there was a mix-up at the airport and our luggage was accidentally sent to Ohio

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

He was told his phone and someone else's got mixed up. —Megan De Mar, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026

But if a blood relation is mixed up with drug dealers, murderers, and terrorists, why doesn't a man in Jackson's position put an unequivocal distance between them? —Gail Sheehy, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026

Noun

The bizarre, unfortunate name mix-up was revealed in its full extent this week at the trial of Colin Gray, the father of the school shooter, on charges of murder and manslaughter. —Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 28 Feb. 2026

Keeping track of household spending and other bills helps avoid late payments and mix-ups. —Malana Vantyler, Sacbee.com, 23 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

mix-up

noun

ˈmik-ˌsəp

: an instance of confusion