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
-
Lake Mary’s O’Shea Faison fumbles after picking up the first down yardage.—
Buddy Collings,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
What happens if this group blows a few late leads early in this season?—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Paul finds out and blows his top.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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As first reported by Deadline, the plot follows a boy who stumbles upon a secret late-night broadcast of lizards playing otherworldly music, after which a hidden door to the extraordinary swings open.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Sep. 2025
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The trio stumbles upon a crucial piece of evidence - and promptly compromises it.—
Billie Melissa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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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
-
The show is not just the story of the fallout after 13-year-old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) murders his classmate Katie (Emilia Holliday).—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Several videos begin with Taddese’s friend, who wore a white shirt and gray pants, pushing a persondown as that individual trips him.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
12 Sep. 2025
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In Bora Bora, trips with Bora Diving Center (by Eleuthera) are another good bet for seeing mantas and schooling eagle rays within the famous lagoon.—
Terry Ward,
AFAR Media,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Nobody notices when the bassist slips up.—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
9 Aug. 2025
Verb
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When that happens, 67% of teens say their malfunctioning laptop ruins their entire day.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
11 Sep. 2025
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One mistake often ruins an entire load, sending recyclables straight to landfills.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Screws up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/screws%20up. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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