1
as in fumbled
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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2
as in buggered (up)
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 goofed (up)
Verb
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In the 88th minute, Neuer fumbled a routine shot and allowed Joselu to equalise.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026 -
Fans were exiting en masse in the top of the ninth when Frelick’s RBI single off Rule 5 rookie Ryan Watson, fumbled by reigning AL Gold Glove centerfielder Ceddanne Rafaela, increased Milwaukee’s lead to three.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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An Easter Sunday celebration at a Long Beach, California park took a disturbing turn when a person searching for hidden eggs stumbled upon a human skull partially buried in dense brush.—
Ryan Brennan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Apr. 2026
-
In trading Angel Reese yesterday, this franchise stumbled upon a crossroad.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In one video, a horse tripped on a curb and fell over, toppling its rider before running off.—
Nick Sullivan
April 9,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Wembanyama had tripped over his shoelace, the referees determined.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Manuel Fernandes’ goal, created by West Ham’s outstanding talisman Jarrod Bowen, was a warning, a knock on the door before the hosts blew United’s house down.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2026
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Roker blew Guthrie a kiss from the weather wall.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
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There’s Championship action on Monday, when Middlesbrough travel to Sheffield United knowing a win will lift them to the top of the table, after Coventry City slipped up again on Saturday.—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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And while Conrad was the one who slipped up at the peach orchard in Episode 5, Belly’s the one to blame in Seadon 3, Episode 6.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The Sens are going to lose their pick for nothing at all, because of how a GM their fans didn’t like screwed up a trade his team wasn’t even involved in.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
11 Mar. 2026
-
That might be kind of screwed up.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The counter in the market’s far right corner, dubbed Club 104, is reserved for emerging talents, changing every few weeks (sometimes sooner).—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Apr. 2026
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The first of two sister ships, dubbed Ilma, debuts in 2024.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Goofed (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goofed%20%28up%29. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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