1
as in fumbles
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 disrupts
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 stumbles
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 licks
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 messes (up)
Verb
-
Lake Mary’s O’Shea Faison fumbles after picking up the first down yardage.—
Buddy Collings,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Communities across the world have started recognizing how the glow of artificial light disrupts not only our view of the cosmos but also the plants, animals, and ecosystems that have long relied on Earth’s natural rhythm of day and night.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Sep. 2025
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When a cyber incident disrupts flight operations, supply chain logistics or manufacturing processes, the cascading effects extend far beyond the immediate costs of remediation.—
Dan Sorensen,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The dejected actor stumbles over to a marketplace to buy a drink, shoplift a lighter, and strike out with a lottery ticket.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
3 Sep. 2025
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Every founder stumbles—some in a very public fashion.—
Samantha Reynolds,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
Verb
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When asked the question, the owl takes the lollipop and licks it three times before chomping down on its hard shell exterior and handing the stick back to the child.—
Moná Thomas,
People.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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The pair is seen crawling through a wildflower field, dancing, and jumping, but also hollering at each other, brandishing knives, and at some point, Lawrence licks a window with zeal.—
Mankaprr Conteh,
Rolling Stone,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Paul finds out and blows his top.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
4 Sep. 2025
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The mechanism blows inert gas across the fusion zone, preventing oxidation during the printing process.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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And so an urban tunnel not only blocks some satellites, but confuses the listeners as to which are direct or reflected signals.—
Steve Tengler,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Education Secretary went out on the Harbor for a short sailing demonstration with two counselors and O’Bryant High students Tuesday, overcoming some motion sickness to hear about the mechanics of the boat, Friday trips out to the Harbor islands, and sailing in storms.—
Grace Zokovitch,
Boston Herald,
20 Aug. 2025
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This is a huge bonus for a clumsy gal like myself, who often trips over air.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
People.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Messes (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/messes%20%28up%29. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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