as in blunder
somewhat informal
a problem that makes a situation difficult or confusing
A major scheduling snafu led to two meetings starting at the same time.
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Recent Examples of snafu
But it was widely believed inside the news division that Weiss’ move was a major snafu that reflected her lack of experience as a TV news executive and awareness of the fishbowl nature of an industry where every action is scrutinized.
—
Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2026
With individuals driving their own cars in a tunnel, the potential for accidents and other snafus would likely increase and raise the risk of a severe backlog in a single-lane tunnel.
—Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 16 Jan. 2026
While mistakes are rare across the royal family's social media channels, snafus still happen.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 16 Jan. 2026
Paperwork snafu Two-time reigning pairs figure skating national champions Alisa Efimova and husband Misha Mitrofanov qualified for the Winter Olympics in Milan next month, but are ineligible because Efimova isn't an American citizen.
—Arkansas Online, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for snafu
Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2026
With individuals driving their own cars in a tunnel, the potential for accidents and other snafus would likely increase and raise the risk of a severe backlog in a single-lane tunnel.
—Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 16 Jan. 2026
While mistakes are rare across the royal family's social media channels, snafus still happen.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 16 Jan. 2026
Paperwork snafu Two-time reigning pairs figure skating national champions Alisa Efimova and husband Misha Mitrofanov qualified for the Winter Olympics in Milan next month, but are ineligible because Efimova isn't an American citizen.
—Arkansas Online, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for snafu
Recent Examples of Synonyms for snafu
Noun
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The two even argued about the 2008 parking meter deal, one of the city’s biggest financial blunders.—
A.D. Quig,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
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But a series of headwinds, including a recent blunder over see-through leggings, is threatening the company's path forward.—
Mary Cunningham,
CBS News,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In the dugout, after hitting an RBI single off Zac Gallen, Kyle made the mistake of catching a video of the TV broadcast.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
21 Feb. 2026
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According to our cleaning pros, these are the most common mistakes people make with comforters, and simple fixes that keep them smelling clean all season.—
Farima Ferguson,
The Spruce,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The man is facing a charge of grossly negligent homicide, with state prosecutors in Innsbruck accusing him of making multiple errors, including seeking help too late and not carrying suitable equipment.—
Sophie Tanno,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
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The poll found that Cornyn, Hunt and Paxton all have a lead over Crockett and Talarico in a hypothetical November matchup, but that their leads are within the poll’s margin of error.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Snafu.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/snafu. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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