as in to fumble
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way
I've somehow buggered up the program again
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bugger (up)
Verb
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Maye tossed eight interceptions and fumbled eight times last season.—
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
10 June 2026 -
Dart fumbled a shotgun snap on the goal line in a situational period later in the practice.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
9 June 2026
Verb
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Both teams are on the field and ready to play as the whistle blows to begin the first half of what should be some exciting soccer here today.—
NBC News,
NBC news,
17 June 2026
-
Referee Nicolae Rainea blows his whistle.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
Verb
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In the end, though, neither an explosion nor a giant spill of fluid that could foul up waterways and the ocean occurred.—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
27 May 2026
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An incorrect connection or approach can foul up a line, damage a plane or cause an accident.—
Tara Copp The Washington Post,
Arkansas Online,
25 May 2026
Verb
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But four years ago, Sorsby screwed up in a massive way.—
Trey Wallace OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
-
But great expectations can screw up merely very good players.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
20 May 2026
Verb
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Historically, barrels of Madeira spent months crossing tropical oceans aboard ships, and merchants realized that the heat actually improved the wine rather than ruining it.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
-
However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
14 June 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Bugger (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bugger%20%28up%29. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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