GOOF (UP) Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

goof (up)

verb

Definition of goof (up)

as in to fumble

to make a mistake we must have goofed up somewhere, because this cake clearly didn't turn out right

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to blow

to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way he goofed up his first sale at the dealership

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for goof (up)

Verb

In Madison’s Capitol Times, Paul Fanlud detected some worry from Wikler that Democrats might fumble their project of governing Wisconsin long enough to reform it.

— David Weigel, semafor.com, 22 July 2026
On Sunday, the Guardians essentially created a compilation video for Little League coaches to show their kids, a crash course in fumbling the fundamentals.

— Zack Meisel, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Definition of fumble

Verb

Mayo, who raced around the court blowing kisses to the WSU fans after Mason’s game-ending 3, finished with 25 points off 3-of-9 3-point shooting.

— Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
The Green Bay Packers endured a highly disappointing 2025 season, finishing 9-8-1 and blowing multiple double-digit leads, including a 21-3 Wild Card advantage against Chicago.

— Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Definition of blow

Verb

Brooks, who is recovering from back-to-back ACL injuries, took a kick return rep midway through practice and seemingly tripped with his momentum taking him head-first into rookie linebacker Jackson Kuwatch’s ankles.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 29 July 2026
The 36-year-old Oakland resident called 911 on July 17 to report that his 5-year-old son appeared to be tripping on mushrooms, authorities said.

— Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 28 July 2026

Definition of trip

Verb

Ella Rubin stars as Annie Jacobson, a high schooler who stumbles into a mystery when her grandfather dies and leaves her an island in Canada—along with a cryptic letter.

— Kenneal Patterson, Vanity Fair, 27 July 2026
The story is compelling as ever and a reminder that Xbox stumbled onto some real magic back in 2001.

— Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Definition of stumble

Verb

Being asked to prove yourself to AI can play havoc on your confidence and ruin your chances of getting your foot in the door.

— Colleen Batchelder, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Not that Miss Manners is excusing those who burst into dinner parties after the roast has been ruined — along with the other guests’ attitudes, most likely — and then blame it on traffic.

— Judith Martin, Mercury News, 28 July 2026

Definition of ruin

Verb

The Iberians slipped up big time in their first match of the tournament, being shocked by Switzerland 1-0, bringing back ghosts of tournament failures past for Spanish fans.

— Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
But for taxpayers with a solid compliance history who slip up once, automatically applying relief—instead of reserving it for those who know to ask—is a welcome change.

— Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Definition of slip up

Verb

In the end, though, neither an explosion nor a giant spill of fluid that could foul up waterways and the ocean occurred.

— Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026
An incorrect connection or approach can foul up a line, damage a plane or cause an accident.

— Tara Copp The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 25 May 2026

Definition of foul up

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Browse Nearby Words

goofs (up)

goof (up)

goofy

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Goof (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goof%20%28up%29. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of goof (up)

verb

Example Sentences

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