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

In Kundassery’s view, the Democratic Party had made a critical mistake in the first few months of 2025.

— Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
To keep errors in check, each graph is shown to multiple volunteers, and their answers are combined so that individual mistakes average out, according to the project's website.

— Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of mistake

Verb

On the first play of Rutgers' next drive, Surace was sacked at the Rutgers 8 and fumbled with Northwestern’s Jamaal Johnson recovering.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
The Chiefs actually missed a 43-yard field goal that would have won the game in regulation — after Justin Houston forced Lamar Jackson to fumble — but won the game with a short kick in overtime.

— Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of fumble

Verb

And maybe trips like this can help the nomad way of life survive.

— Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026
Up until tonight, Raman has done a good job of communicating a message of hope and change, while Bass, as the incumbent, has repeatedly tripped on her record over the biblically bad four years of her first term.

— Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 14 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

Stephen Curry scored 24 points, rookie Yaxel Lendeborg added 18 points, 13 rebounds and six assists in his home debut, but the Warriors blew it as Memphis capitalized with a 17-0 run.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Either way, that would widen the deficit and blow past the government's 5% GDP target.

— Hugh Leask, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of blow

Verb

Resendiz finished strongly, sending Mazoudier stumbling backward in the final minute.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026
Munyon's Paw-Paw, an alcoholic beverage dating to the early 1900s, has been resurrected by two longtime spirits industry veterans who stumbled upon its unusual history during a family outing.

— Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of stumble

Noun

Election experts have said many instances of noncitizens registering to vote are a result of administrative error or confusion on the part of the immigrant — not intentional criminality.

— Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
The confusion unfolded as a steady stream of women’s half-marathon runners crossed the finish line.

— Vivian Yao, Baltimore Sun, 17 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 26 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of foul-up

noun

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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