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
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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
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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
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4
as in to lick
to strike repeatedly
threatened that he would mess him up if he cheated at the game
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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 17 Aug. 2026.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
