FOUL UP Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

foul-up 1 of 2

noun

ˈfau̇(-ə)l-ˌəp

Definition of foul-up

as in mistake

an instance of confusion there was a foul-up with our mail order, and not one item arrived as ordered

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

foul up

2 of 2

verb

as in to fumble

to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way tried not to foul up the football play

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to trip

to make a mistake unfortunately, I fouled up and in my e-mail gave everyone the wrong date for the meeting

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of foul-up

Noun

There are fewer opportunities for foul-ups and mishandling between flights when there are fewer connections and layovers. — Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 5 Mar. 2025 That foul-up then gets included in the series of questions and answers, causing the final answer to go askew. — Lance Eliot, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2024

Verb

There was Anthony Edwards brashly asking Watson if the Nuggets planned to foul up three at the end of regulation, before draining an incredible shot to force overtime. — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 12 Apr. 2026 But their strategy was fouled up when the car’s occupants switched on the headlights, throwing a glare up the tote road along which the wardens had planned to sprint. — Dave Duffey, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for foul-up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for foul-up

Noun

But elevating the whims of progressive activists and government bureaucrats above the wisdom of the marketplace has proven a costly mistake and undermined consumer choice.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2026
Guys will make a mistake that will lead to busted assignments, penalties, big plays for the opponents, if not a touchdown.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of mistake

Verb

The Cougars were stopped at the UCF 3 on consecutive drives before Overmyer fumbled at the UCF 7 and into the end zone, recovered by the Knights.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
On Friday, the Rams waived punt returner Xavier Smith, who fumbled in last season’s NFC championship game and made several decision-making errors against the Broncos.

— Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of fumble

Verb

But up here on the terraces of the Anantara Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi, the shrieks of day-tripping cruise passengers, zipping back and forth in Tango-orange tenders, are pleasantly faint.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Beckett Sennecke drew a tripping penalty on Gustav Forsling midway through overtime, but Florida nearly killed the penalty before Carlsson found Granlund in front for his first goal.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of trip

Noun

The mix-up is understandable because the leaves look salad-ready, but the plant offers more than that.

— Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2026
Officials with the Ponce City Market developer said their delinquency was a mix-up, and the nearly $200,000 balance has since been paid.

— Shaddi Abusaid, AJC.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of mix-up

Verb

Almost sounds silly now, with the way the team has stumbled and bumbled its way through the first four games.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Of the seven clubs that had 14 or more players from their organizations appear in the WBC, several stumbled early and only the Phillies and Brewers made the postseason.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of stumble

Noun

According to MedlinePlus, symptoms can include a sudden severe headache, sudden dizziness or trouble walking, sudden confusion, and sudden numbness or weakness in the face.

— Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 5 Oct. 2026
Other online missives expressed optimism, but many revealed some combination of grief, confusion, and fear.

— Jordana Cepelewicz, Quanta Magazine, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of confusion

Browse Nearby Words

fouls up

foul-up

foul up

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Foul-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foul-up. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of foul-up

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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