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

This is part of the reason why Wood Mackenzie expects gas — considered a transition fuel by the European Union — to remain part of the energy mix up as far ahead as 2060. —Tasmin Lockwood, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2026

Add your favorites to cart, and get ready to mix up some Valentine's cocktails. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Jan. 2026

Noun

Despite their compact size, the tags display information openly to prevent luggage mix-ups, and their metal construction draws the eye. —Danielle Calma, Travel + Leisure, 21 Jan. 2026

In February 2020, a gas station in Boulder was not fined following a mix-up with its fuel transfers. —Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 9 Jan. 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