1
as in stumbles
to make a mistake
everything is riding on this project, so we can't afford to louse up
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in fumbles
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way
I loused up the wallpapering job in the bedroom—the seams show too much
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for louses up
Verb
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Ennin gets up and stumbles down the block before collapsing next to a building.—
Emma Seiwell,
New York Daily News,
6 Jan. 2026 -
There’s a fine line between righteousness and self-satisfaction, and the second season, which premieres on HBO Max on January 8, frequently stumbles into the latter territory.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Seahawks are a high-turnover team on both sides of the ball, but the 49ers have forced just two takeaways in the season series — both fumbles in the opener.—
Michael Nowels,
Mercury News,
12 Jan. 2026
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The Honda backs up a few feet as the agent fumbles at the door handle.—
George Petras,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Boat trips with the hotel’s fleet of luxury liners or a heli ride take you island-hopping to Hydra and Spetses.—
Jemima Sissons,
Condé Nast Traveler,
8 Jan. 2026
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Shoelaces are scanned to ensure that no player trips and breaks bones.—
Teri Sforza,
Oc Register,
4 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The Oscar nominee stars as struggling actor Shah Latif who, at first, blows a shot at the coveted role.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
30 Jan. 2026
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An observer, with a capital O, with hard hands, is somebody that stands on the corner of their community and blows the whistle and makes a noise.—
Kyle Denis,
Billboard,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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At Baku, however, the car looks to be a podium contender, potentially fighting for the win if McLaren slips up.—
Nelson Espinal,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Sep. 2025
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Along the way Texas needs to hope Seattle slips up, or else that final weekend in Cleveland could wind up being meaningless.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Exposure to high humidity and low temperatures can severely alter these items, which not only ruins their aesthetic beauty but also impacts their sound.—
Kate Van Pelt,
The Spruce,
25 Jan. 2026
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However, too much acid ruins the dish.—
Lewis Schiff,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Dominic Zvada boots a 31-yard field goal to give the Wolverines the lead.—
Thomas Jones,
Austin American Statesman,
31 Dec. 2025
Verb
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What all happens that screws up everything?—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
28 Oct. 2025
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Ego screws up most of the things in this life.—
Jason Mastrodonato,
Mercury News,
5 Sep. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Louses up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/louses%20up. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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