as in to fumble
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way
I swear, she mucks up everything she tries
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Recent Examples of muck up
Employing Pitino’s signature full-court press, St. John’s was able to muck up the game to set up a close finish.
—
Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 22 Mar. 2025
If anyone was concerned about Rudy Gobert’s return to the lineup potentially mucking up what’s been a good Timberwolves offense of late, Sunday’s result had to alleviate some anxiety.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 10 Mar. 2025
Of all the crew members, Mouse is the most philosophical, speaking early about how the machines have mucked up the taste of his favorite cereal.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 6 Mar. 2025
Are other people mucking up your flow?
—USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for muck up
Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 22 Mar. 2025
If anyone was concerned about Rudy Gobert’s return to the lineup potentially mucking up what’s been a good Timberwolves offense of late, Sunday’s result had to alleviate some anxiety.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 10 Mar. 2025
Of all the crew members, Mouse is the most philosophical, speaking early about how the machines have mucked up the taste of his favorite cereal.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 6 Mar. 2025
Are other people mucking up your flow?
—USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for muck up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for muck 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
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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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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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Why are investors so calm in a world filled with war and chaos? Because Iran’s options in terms of screwing up the oil market are actually quite limited.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
23 June 2025
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So that was kind of like the two guys who screwed up.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
18 June 2025
Verb
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His idea is included in the tweet below: By adopting this policy, the league would immediately change the calculations that come with fouling up three.—
Mat Issa,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
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But Paige has been there, injuries fouling up her career, too.—
John Nogowski,
Hartford Courant,
25 Mar. 2025
Verb
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However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.—
Daniella Segura,
Sacbee.com,
26 June 2025
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And just like that, Donald Trump ruined something else.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
26 June 2025
Verb
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There's a big difference, for example, in advocating for stronger border security and booting hardened criminals from the country, versus deporting cooks and construction workers — and sending National Guards and even Marines in response to protests (when local officials didn't ask for it).—
Domenico Montanaro,
NPR,
14 June 2025
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After its last attempt to take down the Autobots goes terribly awry, he’s booted out of the Decepticons forever.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
12 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Muck up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/muck%20up. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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