as in fumbles
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way
you've bollixed up the whole thing
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bollixes (up)
Verb
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The Seahawks are a high-turnover team on both sides of the ball, but the 49ers have forced just two takeaways in the season series — both fumbles in the opener.—
Michael Nowels,
Mercury News,
12 Jan. 2026 -
The Honda backs up a few feet as the agent fumbles at the door handle.—
George Petras,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Weather forecast Baltimore After a brief break in the intense cold across Maryland through early Friday afternoon, bitterly cold air blows back into the Mid-Atlantic late Friday afternoon and evening.—
Cutter Martin,
CBS News,
22 Jan. 2026
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Before the new Falcons head coach blows the whistle for the first time, there are already expectations for next season.—
Rod Beard,
AJC.com,
18 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Following the adventures of the titular sheep, the franchise’s latest takes place at Mossy Bottom Farm on Halloween Eve, watching as excitement turns to dismay when the clumsy Farmer ruins the pumpkin patch.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
8 Jan. 2026
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In fact, some of the greatest novels are about how reading ruins lives—starting with the book often considered the first modern novel, Don Quixote.—
Adam Kirsch,
The Atlantic,
2 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Perez, a 63-year-old transient man, was convicted of the child murders from 1992 through 2001 throughout Central and Northern California, the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office announced in a news release.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
7 Jan. 2026
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Gun murders rare Until Sunday, Australia had decades of proof that tough gun laws can make a country safer with one of the world’s lowest gun homicide rates, per capita.—
Hilary Whiteman,
CNN Money,
15 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Dominic Zvada boots a 31-yard field goal to give the Wolverines the lead.—
Thomas Jones,
Austin American Statesman,
31 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Deadline, gleaning information from the studio, dubs it a modern Western thriller where a rodeo cowboy’s skills are put to the test outside the arena.—
Rodney Ho,
AJC.com,
14 Jan. 2026
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Anoka dubs itself as the Halloween Capital of the World, hosting a monthlong celebration that draws thousands.—
Chris Kenning,
USA Today,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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What all happens that screws up everything?—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
28 Oct. 2025
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Ego screws up most of the things in this life.—
Jason Mastrodonato,
Mercury News,
5 Sep. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Bollixes (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bollixes%20%28up%29. Accessed 24 Jan. 2026.
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