as in to fumble
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way
I swear, she mucks up everything she tries
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of muck up
Employing Pitino’s signature full-court press, St. John’s was able to muck up the game to set up a close finish.
—
Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 22 Mar. 2025
If anyone was concerned about Rudy Gobert’s return to the lineup potentially mucking up what’s been a good Timberwolves offense of late, Sunday’s result had to alleviate some anxiety.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 10 Mar. 2025
Of all the crew members, Mouse is the most philosophical, speaking early about how the machines have mucked up the taste of his favorite cereal.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 6 Mar. 2025
Are other people mucking up your flow?
—USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for muck up
Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 22 Mar. 2025
If anyone was concerned about Rudy Gobert’s return to the lineup potentially mucking up what’s been a good Timberwolves offense of late, Sunday’s result had to alleviate some anxiety.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 10 Mar. 2025
Of all the crew members, Mouse is the most philosophical, speaking early about how the machines have mucked up the taste of his favorite cereal.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 6 Mar. 2025
Are other people mucking up your flow?
—USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for muck up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for muck up
Verb
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Marketing gets the lead, but operations fumbles the conversion.—
Michael Fox,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
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In-ho began fumbling, accidentally letting go of the top and flinging it backwards.—
Esther Kang,
People.com,
26 June 2025
Verb
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Some of the clips have also already begun to go viral including one of Chase’s gazelle-like movement and another of Hill blowing by Smith-Njigba in coverage.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
10 July 2025
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Water moving at 25 mph has the pressure equivalent of wind blowing at 790 mph, faster than the speed of sound.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
10 July 2025
Verb
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With Joe Maddon as his manager for the first half of his career, Hendricks was provided room to screw up — messing around with his mechanics and pitch arsenal — to become a top-end starting pitcher who helped the Chicago Cubs claim the 2016 World Series.—
Houston Mitchell,
Los Angeles Times,
1 July 2025
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Why are investors so calm in a world filled with war and chaos? Because Iran’s options in terms of screwing up the oil market are actually quite limited.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
23 June 2025
Verb
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Year-long court battles have been waged over exactly how clean the water in the Everglades has to be without fouling up the whole system.—
Alex Harris
July 3,
Miami Herald,
3 July 2025
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His idea is included in the tweet below: By adopting this policy, the league would immediately change the calculations that come with fouling up three.—
Mat Issa,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Verb
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However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.—
Olivia Lloyd
July 9,
Miami Herald,
9 July 2025
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Sophisticated travelers can savor world-class dining, from rich Hakata ramen to the most delicious gyoza, or explore modern art, castle ruins, and shops run by local artisans.—
Mark Lakin,
Travel + Leisure,
9 July 2025
Verb
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Andy Pages also booted a ball in center field during a four-run rally from the Royals (39-44) in the fifth, an inning that was punctuated by a three-run, two-out homer from Pasquantino to center.—
Jack Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
28 June 2025
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In the wake of the state's decision to boot Planned Parenthood from its Medicaid program, Julie Edwards, a patient who received medical services from the organization, and Planned Parenthood filed a lawsuit under federal civil rights law to challenge the move.—
June 26,
CBS News,
26 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Muck up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/muck%20up. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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