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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Coming off an open week, the Cardinal (2-4, 1-2) forced a three-and-out on defense to start the game, but Liam Thorpe fumbled the ensuing punt return to give possession back to the Mustangs (4-2, 2-0).—
Harold Gutmann,
Mercury News,
13 Oct. 2025 -
The Razorbacks fumbled 4 times and lost 3, including 2 in Tennessee territory.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The results reinforce what many pediatric specialists have long suspected—that too much screen exposure in early childhood may disrupt normal brain development.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Unlike antifa, the Proud Boys actually did something that disrupted the United States federal government and threatened to derail the peaceful transfer of power.—
Sal Rodriguez,
Oc Register,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Things do get more interesting when Mia stumbles upon an improbable house in the middle of the woods, occupied by a witchy old lady (Robin Bartlett).—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
13 Oct. 2025
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With upsets keeping divisional races entertaining, Week 6 offers a chance for several surprise teams to solidify their place among the contenders, and for stumbling powerhouses to stop their slides before things get out of hand.—
J.J. Bailey,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Some even licked the candy to soften it -- a trick used by contestants in the show.—
Hakyung Kate Lee,
ABC News,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Napkins were crumpled; plates were licked.—
Helen Shaw,
New Yorker,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Commanders blew a late-fourth-quarter lead and turned the ball over three times before losing to the Bears on a last-second field goal.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
-
Sloppy passes, stagnant offense, blown defensive assignments, poor decisions.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
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If one or the other is tripped, turn that back on and test again.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
17 Oct. 2025
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More Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images Democrats seem to be unable to avoid tripping all over themselves.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But too often, this instinct to chase conflict distorts reality and confuses the public.—
Nancy Gibbs,
Time,
17 Oct. 2025
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This view confuses structure with behavior.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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There’s no attempt to hide the staging, although the accompanying musicians are mostly unseen.—
Will Hermes,
Rolling Stone,
19 Oct. 2025
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In December 1978, Gacy confessed to kidnapping, raping and murdering dozens of boys and men, some as young as 14 years old, and hiding many of their bodies in a crawl space under the house.—
Jessica Sager,
PEOPLE,
18 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2025.
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