1
as in fumbles
to make a mistake
we all screw up from time to time, so don't sweat it
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in blows
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 screws up
Ego screws up most of the things in this life.
—
Jason Mastrodonato, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2025
Jason Mastrodonato, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for screws up
Verb
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While both teams were in position to flip some results, the Ravens have to feel a little snakebitten with how their games have played out, including a couple of fourth-quarter Derrick Henry fumbles.—
Scott Chasen,
Kansas City Star,
28 Sep. 2025
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Baltimore is smarting from that Monday home loss to Deroit -- but Crows would be 3-0 if not for a pair of Derrick Henry fumbles.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Advertisement Something about the investigation feels off, though—especially once Evelyn blows into the police station like a force of nature, directing officers who hang on her words.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
25 Sep. 2025
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The two Catholic Central League foes went back and forth, trading blows.—
Greg Dudek,
Boston Herald,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
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After a rocky start, Joey stumbles on some talents and goes to great lengths to impress Leonard in his audition for a play.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
24 Sep. 2025
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Yet, when a star athlete—the rival who excels at everything—finally stumbles in a sport, a subtle surge of neurological pleasure briefly ignites.—
Richard Menger MD MPA,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Alex and Riley fight, and Alex accidentally murders Riley in self-defense.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
25 Sep. 2025
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Terrifying beasts, murders most foul, posh French zombies and a sequel to one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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There are ghosts and spirits, horror episodes, trips back into the ‘70s, the odd touch of a Western.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
24 Sep. 2025
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Focusing on the lifestyle factor that most trips you up is likely to have a greater impact on your health, London said.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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At Baku, however, the car looks to be a podium contender, potentially fighting for the win if McLaren slips up.—
Nelson Espinal,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Sep. 2025
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Along the way Texas needs to hope Seattle slips up, or else that final weekend in Cleveland could wind up being meaningless.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Looking in camera ruins a take.—
Sophie Ansari,
Vulture,
25 Sep. 2025
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This bike is meant to move, whether to speed through a commute, push an exercise ride a bit farther, or tackle that one hill that ruins your otherwise enjoyable route.—
Kevin Purdy,
ArsTechnica,
20 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Screws up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/screws%20up. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
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