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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of screwup
Eric Vilas-Boas,
Vulture,
2 Dec. 2025
Vince is the screwup, a mostly-former drug and gambling addict, while Jake is a successful restaurateur, running the eponymous club/restaurant Black Rabbit in Manhattan.
—
Andrew Bernard,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Oct. 2025
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 May 2026
One of the puzzles was constructing a dance that was simple enough to believe anyone could do it, yet tricky enough for DJ to screw up in multiple ways.
—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for screwup
Noun
But the screwups don’t end there.
—
Eric Vilas-Boas,
Vulture,
2 Dec. 2025
Vince is the screwup, a mostly-former drug and gambling addict, while Jake is a successful restaurateur, running the eponymous club/restaurant Black Rabbit in Manhattan.
—
Andrew Bernard,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
First of all, don’t hide misdeeds and screwups, which comes naturally by not committing misdeeds and not screwing up.
—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 May 2026
One of the puzzles was constructing a dance that was simple enough to believe anyone could do it, yet tricky enough for DJ to screw up in multiple ways.
—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for screwup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for screwup
Noun
-
If circumstances had gone Spain’s way with more clinical finishing or a Cape Verde defender making a mistake, then the result would have been different and a lot of the chatter currently happening (including here) would likely not be happening.
-
In fact, according to Rakestraw, one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is assuming the babies have been abandoned and removing them immediately.
Noun
-
The Muses were meant for the butcher two autumns ago, but no one had the heart to lure them onto the trailer.
-
Independent butchers are rare these days, as chain grocery stores with in-house butchers have become more prevalent.
Verb
-
After South Korea’s goalkeeper fumbled a ball, Luis Romo scored the goal that gave the Mexicans six points and pushed them to the top of the standings.
-
OnlyFans fumbled a previous version of this dilemma.
Verb
-
The Philadelphia Phillies went into the top of the ninth inning down 8-6 to the Washington Nationals after Orion Kerkering gave up a three-run home run to blow the lead late in the game.
-
While sitting on your porch or deck, a blast of air from a fan can help blow weak-flying mosquitoes away.
Noun
-
Colorado's rally offset a pair of baserunning blunders that ended the eighth.
-
One Republican senator calling this the worst foreign policy blunder in decades.
Noun
-
The Dodgers reached the pinnacle honestly, in a capitalistic structure that properly hands no favors to the incompetent.
Verb
-
Avila was crushed inside the Volkswagen, while Guevara allegedly stumbled to the Honda Accord, got inside, and drove off, according to court records.
-
When asked who played at Arrowhead Stadium, Comenencia stumbled for the name.
Verb
-
Don't Worry Too Much About Saltwater Or Chlorine Many people assume a quick swim in the ocean or pool will ruin their sunglasses.
-
Could the Boston Celtics or another team ruin the Heat’s plan, swooping in and trading for Antetokounmpo this offseason and getting a long-term commitment from him?
Cite this Entry
“Screwup.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/screwup. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
