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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While the pull chain is much easier than trying to fumble with a tiny button, the shade occasionally catches on it when closing.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
18 June 2025 -
His team had just fumbled a win on the biggest stage, and his eyes wandered.—
Tony East,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
Verb
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Globally, heatwaves, droughts, and extreme weather are disrupting supply chains, inflating food prices, and undermining financial stability.—
Felicia Jackson,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2025
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These attacks don’t just disrupt operations but also expose deeply personal financial information that can fuel identity theft, fraud and long-term reputational damage.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
21 June 2025
Verb
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After seven years of searching the West for the perfect place to call home, Northern California author and wellness practitioner Osha Reader stumbled upon her peaceful High Sierra retreat by chance.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
28 June 2025
-
Astronomers studying a distant galaxy cluster stumbled upon ancient radio signals that might hold clues to the formation of the early universe.—
Nick Butler,
FOXNews.com,
28 June 2025
Verb
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Two new friends spent the afternoon chatting, licking our deliciously unexpected delights and beginning a life-long bond.—
Susan Cunningham Euker,
Baltimore Sun,
14 June 2025
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The viral post opens with a quiet, intimate moment: the Labrador sits beside her puppy, gently licking her head.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 June 2025
Verb
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That connection and warmth was obvious on Friday night, with Cardi blowing past her bedtime to give the gays, the dolls and everyone else an experience beyond what any other NYC festival provides.—
Joe Lynch,
Billboard,
28 June 2025
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The sound of wind blowing and the floorboards settling is enough to prompt her to peer outside for possible hazards, hastily locking the front door after scanning the perimeter.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
27 June 2025
Verb
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The union had earlier brought up the risks associated with the protective platforms after another visitor tripped over one, causing no damage.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
25 June 2025
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In Death Stranding 2, players control a courier who trips over rocks, experiences sunburn, and faces his own possible obsolescence.—
Simon Parkin,
The Atlantic,
23 June 2025
Verb
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Map their journey to spot every gap, make buying effortless with fewer steps, communicate clearly so no one gets confused, add personal touches that create connection, and follow up fast to turn buyers into advocates.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
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Letters: Washington, D.C., has a deficit of humanity Do not confuse my warning to Israel for a shred of understanding for what Hamas did on Oct. 7, 2023.—
Thomas L. Friedman,
Mercury News,
14 June 2025
Verb
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Weathered and bumpy, the wall hidden among the surplus clothing stores of the Fashion District was hardly the perfect canvas.—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2025
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Transparency is another issue: Pricing for procedures varies wildly and is often hidden until the bill arrives.—
Paulina Wierzbicka,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
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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 3 Jul. 2025.
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