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

Wilson also traces notable instances of building fiascos around New York, like awning collapses and the troubled history of 432 Park, the supertall on Billionaire’s Row.

— Lila Allen, Architectural Digest, 18 Sep. 2026
Neither team punted in the first half, yet the Chargers came away with just seven points, in part because of that goal-line fiasco, and in part because of an Omarion Hampton fumble.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2026

Definition of fiasco

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

Stagg, however, became convinced the day would be stormy – bringing swell and poor visibility that would spell disaster.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 18 Sep. 2026
Nepal's disaster management agency said five more bodies were located in a different location and equipment was being sent to recover them.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of disaster

Noun

Sometimes a president doesn’t have to ask for the country’s attention, because catastrophe has already gathered it.

— John Dickerson, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2026
The catastrophe was a reminder of not only the destructiveness of Israeli bombing, but also the depth of the continuing privation in Gaza today.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of catastrophe

Noun

What was supposed to be Ohtani’s first full season of two-way duties since joining the Dodgers turned into a second-half injury-management debacle.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
How much longer will the Browns ask everyone else to pay the price for their Deshaun Watson debacle?

— Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of debacle

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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 23 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of cock-up

noun

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