mix up

1 of 2

verb

mixed up; mixing up; mixes up

transitive verb

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

And of course, the producers had to mix up some drama by having each designer call out another as the weakest competitor. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026

Christina Aguilera was criticized over her performance at the start of Super Bowl XLV in 2011, which saw her mix up key lyrics during the tune. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026

Noun

This complicated story of mix-ups and mishaps at sea will be accompanied by the pianist and organist Ben Model, who will share keyboard duties with Makia Matsumura throughout the festival. — Tim Page, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2026

The mix-up was uncovered two years ago when Kyle Bylin received an at-home DNA test as a gift. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for mix up

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup

Kids Definition

mix-up

noun

ˈmik-ˌsəp

: an instance of confusion