1
as in mistake
an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy
clearly, there's been some sort of screwup about what time we were supposed to meet
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in butcher
someone who bungles an effort
don't ask the office screwup to arrange the holiday party
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to fumble
to make a mistake
we all screw up from time to time, so don't sweat it
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to blow
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way
you've totally screwed up the spreadsheet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of screwup
Al Weaver, The Hill, 27 Jan. 2025
No room for screwups, especially while the team was fighting for equal pay and better treatment from U.S. Soccer.
—Steph Yang, The Athletic, 25 July 2024
Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
Bigger predators screwing up your fishing, however, is just part of the game from time to time.
—Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for screwup
Noun
But Republicans are quick to note: One major screwup before any of the committees could harm any of them irreparably.
—Al Weaver, The Hill, 27 Jan. 2025
No room for screwups, especially while the team was fighting for equal pay and better treatment from U.S. Soccer.
—Steph Yang, The Athletic, 25 July 2024
Verb
All day, people drop in rumors about trades, assertions based on stats, and complaints about whichever Knick is screwing up the worst.
—Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
Bigger predators screwing up your fishing, however, is just part of the game from time to time.
—Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for screwup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for screwup
Noun
-
Here are the five hidden profile mistakes that stop your ideal clients getting in touch.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
-
My family has a history of a lot of the same mistakes, especially among the men.—
Alphonse Pierre,
Pitchfork,
27 June 2025
Noun
-
At first Spielberg gives you elusive but evocative shots of fins, as well as the shark's own underwater perspective of potential human meals swimming above (to the shark, those legs must look like hams hanging in a butcher’s shop).—
Tom Gliatto,
People.com,
21 June 2025
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Her latest restaurant project is with Chef Philip Tessier, who’s launching Understudy, a culinary destination in Napa featuring a patisserie, butcher, teaching kitchen, and a culinary museum.—
Kristen Philipkoski,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
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
-
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
-
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
Noun
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Even with good intentions, these salon blunders are better avoided, according to experts.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
19 June 2025
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Other big moments in Trump’s presidency include the leak of U.S. military attack plans to Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg, what was widely considered to be the first major blunder of his second term.—
Sara Dorn,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
Verb
-
After making it around the corner of a nearby Taco Bell, Muller appears to stumble, the footage shows.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
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
-
And just like that, Donald Trump ruined something else.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
26 June 2025
-
However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.—
Daniella Segura,
Sacbee.com,
26 June 2025
Noun
-
That poll surveyed 658 Virginia residents between May 12 and May 19, and has a weighted margin of error of 5.25 percent.—
Khaleda Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 June 2025
-
Many small business workers may not have digital access or face language barriers when missing paperwork or tech errors can result in automatic loss of coverage.—
Rhett Buttle,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Screwup.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/screwup. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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