1
as in to fumble
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way
messed up the drawing and had to start over
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to disrupt
to undo the proper order or arrangement of
a nap had messed up her hair and she looked a sight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to stumble
to make a mistake
if anyone messes up even once while we're recording, we have to start all over again
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to lick
to strike repeatedly
threatened that he would mess him up if he cheated at the game
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mess (up)
Verb
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After South Korea’s goalkeeper fumbled a ball, Luis Romo scored the goal that gave the Mexicans six points and pushed them to the top of the standings.
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OnlyFans fumbled a previous version of this dilemma.
Verb
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The fires also disrupted travel across parts of Miami-Dade County.
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Poor nutrition, lack of physical activity and health conditions like metabolic bone disease can disrupt bone remodeling, leading to weaker bones over time.
Verb
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Avila was crushed inside the Volkswagen, while Guevara allegedly stumbled to the Honda Accord, got inside, and drove off, according to court records.
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When asked who played at Arrowhead Stadium, Comenencia stumbled for the name.
Verb
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Bring along a friend who wouldn’t be able to indulge in these kinds of finger-licking treats otherwise.
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The image of the students as vivisectors, committed to extracting the hearts and licking the bones of the transgressors in their midst, seems to mirror her own hatred of the university’s tendency toward frenzied analysis.
Verb
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The Philadelphia Phillies went into the top of the ninth inning down 8-6 to the Washington Nationals after Orion Kerkering gave up a three-run home run to blow the lead late in the game.
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While sitting on your porch or deck, a blast of air from a fan can help blow weak-flying mosquitoes away.
Verb
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So The Listeners — not to be confused with 2022’s The Listener starring Tessa Thompson and you in a voice role — is just now reaching the States.
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Why The Market Misprices Good Companies Investors often confuse business quality with investment quality.
Verb
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Instead of perfection, Rainey strove to disarm her audience, at times intentionally tripping or starting off with a joke to humanize herself and lighten the mood, McNulty said.
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Early on in the clip, Jake Johnson’s former tennis star Dusty Boyd trips over the net and injures his wrist in a bad way.
Verb
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In fact, some are doing little to hide their skepticism – and, in some cases, outright frustration – with the memorandum of understanding, which White House officials hope to spin into a more lasting peace agreement and nuclear accord.
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The script hides serious moral and ethical conversations about fame, political violence, and powerful institutions amongst jokes about hashbrowns.
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Cite this Entry
“Mess (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mess%20%28up%29. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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