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
1
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
2
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
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Recent Examples of foul-up
Lance Eliot, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2024
Rather, inflation had arisen from supply chain foul-ups caused by the Covid epidemic, an act of God rendered worse by comic-opera mismanagement under President Donald Trump.
—Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 30 June 2023
Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 5 Feb. 2026
The funding lapse led to delayed or suspended economic data, wreaked havoc at airports as flights were canceled due to air traffic controller shortages and fouled up the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
—Fred Imbert, CNBC, 13 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for foul-up
Noun
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
Rather, inflation had arisen from supply chain foul-ups caused by the Covid epidemic, an act of God rendered worse by comic-opera mismanagement under President Donald Trump.
—Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 30 June 2023
Verb
These people are aiming to foul up the central database.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 5 Feb. 2026
The funding lapse led to delayed or suspended economic data, wreaked havoc at airports as flights were canceled due to air traffic controller shortages and fouled up the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
—Fred Imbert, CNBC, 13 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for foul-up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foul-up
Noun
-
The back line — still reeling from the departure of center back Adilson Malanda this offseason — shored up its mistakes and stood tall.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Mar. 2026
-
The third mistake involves process.—
Allen Buchanan,
Oc Register,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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If the creditor fumbles the process, then an otherwise valid and collectible debt may be barred.—
Virginia Hammerle,
Dallas Morning News,
8 Mar. 2026
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Since the first release in December, critics have accused the administration of fumbling the rollout and withholding too many documents.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Authorities say Hughes tripped and fell into the street just as one of the teens was driving away.—
Jamal Goss,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
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As Wallace began driving away, Hughes tripped and fell into the road, and Wallace allegedly ran over him, according to police.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The final text explains a possible reason behind the mix-up, authorities said.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
11 Mar. 2026
-
As the prep day before the guests’ arrival winds down, Ben tells João about Ellie’s reaction to the wine mix-up in their cabin.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Wind shear, which occurs when winds blow at different speeds and/or directions with height, acts as an impediment to fledgling tropical storms and hurricanes.—
Andrew Freedman,
CNN Money,
10 Mar. 2026
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There's also a short clip of Cyrus onstage as Hannah with a band, blowing a kiss to a crowd as confetti falls around her.—
Mary Pat Thompson,
ABC News,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Spotting this superconducting dome is often a sign that researchers have stumbled onto the right ingredients for high-temperature superconductivity.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Mar. 2026
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The man then tripped, stumbling to the ground.—
Andrew Adeolu,
CBS News,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Supporters argue that maintaining a consistent time year-round would reduce confusion, improve safety and enhance productivity.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
7 Mar. 2026
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Likely in response to the confusion, prominent cleric Ayatollah Nasser Makarem Shirazi on Saturday urged Iran’s Assembly of Experts to act quickly to name a new supreme leader.—
Jon Gambrell,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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And gun-safety groups say that anything that makes the rules more complicated and unclear could really screw up the system.—
Nina Totenberg,
NPR,
2 Mar. 2026
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Kyle tries to jump up the wall, lands awkwardly, and screws up his ankle.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Foul-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foul-up. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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