1
as in to fumble
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way
messed up the drawing and had to start over
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to disrupt
to undo the proper order or arrangement of
a nap had messed up her hair and she looked a sight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to stumble
to make a mistake
if anyone messes up even once while we're recording, we have to start all over again
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to lick
to strike repeatedly
threatened that he would mess him up if he cheated at the game
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mess (up)
Verb
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The seventh season will no doubt spotlight Leclerc’s win in his native Monaco, Norris fumbling his first WDC and Carlos Sainz’s search for an F1 seat after Hamilton’s shock move to Ferrari.—
Lily Ford,
The Hollywood Reporter,
7 Feb. 2025 -
Snoop Dogg couldn't fumble the opportunity to roast the nearly 50-year age gap between football coach Bill Belichick and his girlfriend at the NFL Honors.—
Jessica Wang,
EW.com,
7 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Lower serotonin levels can disrupt this process, leading to constipation.87 Ongoing stress can also affect the gut barrier and make your intestines more sensitive to bacteria.—
Brittany Dube,
Health,
8 Feb. 2025
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Mahomes has a significant edge at quarterback over Jalen Hurts, but Philly’s defense can disrupt his timing in the pocket, contain his scrambles and lock down his receivers.—
Baltimore Sun staff,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Liv hesitates, does awkward stumble toward her, drops head onto Sally’s shoulder.—
George Saunders,
The Atlantic,
14 Feb. 2025
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But after entering the All-Star break holding a Wild Card, Boston stumbled almost immediately in the second half.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The T-shirt, available in numerous colors, features a woman suggestively licking a stamp that contains the distinctive Playboy image of a rabbit wearing a bowtie.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
7 Feb. 2025
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Danielle took her shot and voted for Boston Rob, who managed to turn the vote onto Wes Bergmann, wiggle out of banishment, and make his way back into the turret to lick his wounds.—
Vulture Staff,
Vulture,
6 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The Spartans jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter, but blew the game open in the second behind Blair’s playmaking.—
Nathan Canilao,
The Mercury News,
16 Feb. 2025
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The firm expanded rapidly, blowing through funds at an equal breakneck pace.—
Mayu Saini,
Sourcing Journal,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Its textured bottom grips the floor, preventing the mat from slipping or sliding, while its sloped edge is designed to reduce users’ risk of tripping over the mat.—
Maggie Horton,
People.com,
13 Feb. 2025
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Butler fit in fine, but the Warriors around him tripped over themselves.—
Danny Emerman,
The Mercury News,
9 Feb. 2025
Verb
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This should not be confused as some kind of part-time mentoring role, like someone coming in to give a speech once in a while and then clearing off.—
Simon Johnson,
The Athletic,
18 Feb. 2025
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Don't let the term air fryer confuse you: These things are pretty much just small convection ovens that use fans to circulate hot air around your food in order to cook it evenly and efficiently.—
Emily Farris,
Bon Appétit,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Dylan notices the slogan and examines the poster to find that Irv hid his drawing of the Exports Hall, with detailed instructions on how to get there written on the back, behind it.—
Megan McCluskey,
TIME,
14 Feb. 2025
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His wife, Avital, who was seven months pregnant at the time, hid in a safe room with their two daughters.—
Julia Frankel,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Mess (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mess%20%28up%29. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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