BUGGER (UP) Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

bugger (up)

verb

ˈbə-gər

Definition of bugger (up)

as in to fumble

to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way I've somehow buggered up the program again

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for bugger (up)

Verb

Most of the world was fumbling and scared, and Fauci seemed to have some idea of what to do.

— Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026
After Duran took third on a fly ball, pinch-hitter Joc Pederson hit a ground ball up the middle that was fumbled by Taylor Walls, allowing Duran to score.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026

Definition of fumble

Verb

Peter trying to have a normal holiday while grieving Tony, Mysterio’s deception, and the post-credits scene that blows Peter’s life apart — all of it feeds into where the new film finds him.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Yes, the Padres blew two leads, including one in the eighth inning with two of their high-leverage arms on the mound.

— Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of blow

Verb

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
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

Definition of foul up

Verb

Being asked to prove yourself to AI can play havoc on your confidence and ruin your chances of getting your foot in the door.

— Colleen Batchelder, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Not that Miss Manners is excusing those who burst into dinner parties after the roast has been ruined — along with the other guests’ attitudes, most likely — and then blame it on traffic.

— Judith Martin, Mercury News, 28 July 2026

Definition of ruin

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buggers (up)

bugger (up)

buggies

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“Bugger (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bugger%20%28up%29. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of bugger (up)

verb

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