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

Still, when an account suddenly asks you to spend money or connect something valuable, a few extra checks can save you from a painful mistake.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026
And on Sunday — despite driving with an impressive desperation (that included a heated Stage 2 exchange with his crew chief over the radio) — a few mistakes followed him.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of mistake

Verb

In overtime, the Golden Knights quickly took advantage of a tripping penalty on Kings center Scott Laughton.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
Behar, who dislocated the shoulder after catching her heel and tripping last week at The View‘s ABC studio building in New York, is expected to return to the show next week.

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 7 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

On Saturday morning, temperatures in the fire area were in the mid-80s and winds blew at about 15 mph.

— Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
There have been two times, and maybe three, since 2020 when Baylor should have won the game, but blew it.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of blow

Noun

The players’ win brought confusion over whether the injunction applied only to eligibility rules or extended to related rules, such as the transfer portal.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Combs’ rep offered a glimpse into the situation and the confusion seemingly surrounding it.

— Dominic Patten, Deadline, 12 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 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of foul-up

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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Cite this Entry

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