COCK-UP Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

cock-up

noun

Definition of cock-up

British

as in shambles

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cock-up

Noun

Of course this was a calculated power play, not a bureaucratic botch.

— U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
During last week's WWE SmackDown, a series of mistakes and botches drew harsh criticism from fans.

— Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025

Definition of botch

Noun

The latter was one of the assistant coaches most responsible for leaving said mess that Mora was brought in to clean up in the first place.

— Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2026
Coffee spills, muddy shoes, pet mishaps, and everyday messes don’t have to turn into decorating disasters.

— Ethan Stone October 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of mess

Noun

Blend yours with frozen mango, muddle in fresh blackberries, or infuse the tequila with chiles.

— Hannah Lee Leidy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Sep. 2026
Although its advocates may claim inspiration from both the Great Society tradition of the Democratic Party and Nordic-style democratic socialism, consumer socialism is really a muddle of the two.

— Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026

Definition of muddle

Noun

After the storms, Pritzker issued a state disaster proclamation that made additional state resources available for response and recovery, his office said.

— Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 9 Oct. 2026
Exhibitors include first responder agencies and non-governmental organizations that showcase new technologies, offer recruitment opportunities, and demonstrate local preparedness and disaster response capabilities.

— CBS News, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of disaster

Noun

The top prize there was awarded to The Lake, directed by Abby Ellis, a film exploring the environmental catastrophe posed by the rapidly shrinking Great Salt Lake in Utah.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026
Mahomes’ rapid recovery from last year’s ACL/LCL catastrophe is great news for Kansas City fans and the NFL’s TV/streaming partners, as he and the Chiefs are slated to pop up in as many as 12 national windows before the playoffs arrive.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of catastrophe

Noun

Read our original story on the Raw Dog Comedy debacle here; for SiriusXM’s next moves, stay tuned.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
Rather than being censured for the debacle, however, Li was elevated by Xi to the top ranks of the Politburo Standing Committee in 2022 and made state premier in 2023.

— Carl Minzner, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of debacle

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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cocktails

cock-up

cock-ups

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“Cock-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cock-up. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of cock-up

noun

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