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 the passing game, Smith played mistake-free football, allowing the Jets’ defense to pin its ears back with a lead and close out the game.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 20 Sep. 2026
And mistakes just don’t happen, said Davin Maske, the Angels’ director of entertainment and production.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of mistake

Verb

The Wildcats opened the game with a goal-line stand, but Chiles fumbled the snap on their first offensive play and Rolijah Hardy tackled him in the end zone for a safety.

— Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
But Rattler fumbled right before crossing the goal line, turning the ball over.

— Joel Beers, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of fumble

Verb

Since then, price has completely round-tripped the move, giving back the entire post-earnings gap and settling back into the mid-$250s.

— Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 21 Sep. 2026
Native Americans smoking peyote in ceremony, the CIA experimenting with LSD — tripping was seen as decidedly fringe.

— Claire Hoffman, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 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

The one in the middle is blowing a bubble, with her legs stretched out and propped up on the chair of the girl in front of her.

— Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2026
But San Diego then blew the game open in the seventh, chasing Glasnow and scoring three times off reliever Justin Wrobleski on run-scoring singles by Austin Hays, Salas and Tatis.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of blow

Verb

The Broncos stumbled out of the blocks to a 17-3 deficit against Memphis last week, and the same happened on Saturday against South Dakota.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 20 Sep. 2026
The Bears, however, stumbled out of the gate, losing four straight before winning Friday night.

— Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of stumble

Noun

Trump announced his ban in a post Friday, causing some confusion in the White House as crews from the outelts remained onsite.

— Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026
This confusion of terms, says Breau, is in part because of the way American law looks at psychedelics and religion.

— Claire Hoffman, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 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 27 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of foul-up

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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