1
as in to stumble
to make a mistake
everything is riding on this project, so we can't afford to louse up
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to fumble
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way
I loused up the wallpapering job in the bedroom—the seams show too much
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 louse up
Maybe one party simply wants out for no apparent reason Anything can louse up the deal.
—
Lew Sichelman,
Miami Herald,
28 May 2026
Which is to say that America’s most prominent vaccine skeptic could have the power to upend, derail, or otherwise louse up a cornerstone of public health.
—
Daniel Engber,
The Atlantic,
20 Nov. 2024
Conversely, one of the easiest ways to louse up a team on draft day is to load up a team with players who aren’t going to produce at a level commensurate with when they were drafted.
—
Gary Davenport,
The Athletic,
5 Aug. 2024
Lew Sichelman,
Miami Herald,
28 May 2026
Which is to say that America’s most prominent vaccine skeptic could have the power to upend, derail, or otherwise louse up a cornerstone of public health.
—
Daniel Engber,
The Atlantic,
20 Nov. 2024
Conversely, one of the easiest ways to louse up a team on draft day is to load up a team with players who aren’t going to produce at a level commensurate with when they were drafted.
—
Gary Davenport,
The Athletic,
5 Aug. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for louse up
Verb
-
Avila was crushed inside the Volkswagen, while Guevara allegedly stumbled to the Honda Accord, got inside, and drove off, according to court records.
-
When asked who played at Arrowhead Stadium, Comenencia stumbled for the name.
Verb
-
After South Korea’s goalkeeper fumbled a ball, Luis Romo scored the goal that gave the Mexicans six points and pushed them to the top of the standings.
-
OnlyFans fumbled a previous version of this dilemma.
Verb
-
Instead of perfection, Rainey strove to disarm her audience, at times intentionally tripping or starting off with a joke to humanize herself and lighten the mood, McNulty said.
-
Early on in the clip, Jake Johnson’s former tennis star Dusty Boyd trips over the net and injures his wrist in a bad way.
Verb
-
The Philadelphia Phillies went into the top of the ninth inning down 8-6 to the Washington Nationals after Orion Kerkering gave up a three-run home run to blow the lead late in the game.
-
While sitting on your porch or deck, a blast of air from a fan can help blow weak-flying mosquitoes away.
Verb
-
Also, there is precedent for an early slip up or two not meaning much in recent big tournaments.
-
Detroit did slip up in Game 5 at Little Caesars Arena, although Detroit blew a 60-52 halftime lead in that contest.
Verb
-
But four years ago, Sorsby screwed up in a massive way.
-
The two screwed up a top-rope stunner as Excalibur struggled to explain what happened like a 2026 Jim Ross.
Verb
-
In the end, though, neither an explosion nor a giant spill of fluid that could foul up waterways and the ocean occurred.
-
An incorrect connection or approach can foul up a line, damage a plane or cause an accident.
Verb
-
Don't Worry Too Much About Saltwater Or Chlorine Many people assume a quick swim in the ocean or pool will ruin their sunglasses.
-
Could the Boston Celtics or another team ruin the Heat’s plan, swooping in and trading for Antetokounmpo this offseason and getting a long-term commitment from him?
Cite this Entry
“Louse up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/louse%20up. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
