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 Langley’s affection for his hometown hasn’t kept his company from drawing, even in Atlanta, the kinds of criticism over issues of privacy, mistakes and misuse that have been simmering nationwide.

— Graham Hurley, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 2026
Instead, the same mistakes and clock-management problems keep showing up.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of mistake

Verb

On this day in 1922, according to the popular account, a boy tripped on a stone and kicked off one of the greatest archaeological finds in history.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Nov. 2026
Without adequate calf muscle strength, the calf muscles can fatigue quickly, leading to foot dragging or tripping.

— Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of trip

Noun

Kravitz, too, issued a statement about the macabre mix-up to various news outlets including Boca News Now.

— Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026
Tiffany Feder, Dahan’s attorney, described the issue as a mix-up, and said her client never intended to illegally participate in voting.

— Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of mix-up

Verb

The Jets blew a nine-point halftime lead and wasted a 33-point afternoon against a Raiders team that had lost four straight.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 7 Nov. 2026
As the final whistle blew at CPKC Stadium, signaling victory for the Kansas City Current in a Saturday playoff match, a release of joy swept across the field.

— Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of blow

Verb

Johnson had nothing but space, and stumbled to make one move before reaching the end zone for his first career touchdown.

— Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026
After stumbling into an intro to acting class, the 28-year-old quickly caught the professor’s attention.

— Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of stumble

Noun

Adding to the confusion, a young female pilot has since been reported to have perished in the crash.

— James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 2 Nov. 2026
Mantovani, a Miami Beach resident who immigrated to the United States from Argentina as a child, said confusion about the electoral system and doubts about the impact of a single vote kept him from participating in previous elections.

— Sabrina Lozano, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of confusion

Verb

To make matters worse, Alex screws up again when Kerry, Fraser, and Kaylee leave with the guests for an excursion at the elephant sanctuary.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2026
New York landing Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker — who has emerged as the draft’s top quarterback prospect — would be a painful blow to Miami, though the Jets have a long tradition of screwing up young QBs.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of screw up

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 9 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of foul-up

noun

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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