as in mistake
an instance of confusion
there was a foul-up with our mail order, and not one item arrived as ordered
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in to fumble
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way
tried not to foul up the football play
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to trip
to make a mistake
unfortunately, I fouled up and in my e-mail gave everyone the wrong date for the meeting
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of foul-up
Lance Eliot, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2024
Many have faulted Cuba’s Stalinist bureaucratic centralization, but few critiques are as replete with concrete examples of foolishness and foul-ups.
—Richard Feinberg, Foreign Affairs, 1 Jan. 2012
John Nogowski, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2025
This brings back the Bilas comment from long ago on fouling up two.
—Joe Rexrode, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for foul-up
Noun
That foul-up then gets included in the series of questions and answers, causing the final answer to go askew.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2024
Many have faulted Cuba’s Stalinist bureaucratic centralization, but few critiques are as replete with concrete examples of foolishness and foul-ups.
—Richard Feinberg, Foreign Affairs, 1 Jan. 2012
Verb
But Paige has been there, injuries fouling up her career, too.
—John Nogowski, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2025
This brings back the Bilas comment from long ago on fouling up two.
—Joe Rexrode, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for foul-up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foul-up
Noun
-
Chisholm getting thrown out on the bases might be the most egregious of the team’s mental mistakes this season.—
Chris Kirschner,
New York Times,
2 Aug. 2025
-
In the annals of American mistakes, his two election victories will be recorded as the most damaging.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
While that might seem to be a bit too optimistic for a franchise that has historically fumbled from a depth perspective, the team can’t rebuild an entire defensive depth chart in one year.—
Mike Kaye
July 14,
Charlotte Observer,
14 July 2025
-
Despite being ripe for a GOP takeover, the local committee fumbled its chance to usher another Republican into office, instead focusing on its inner feuds.—
Jolene Almendarez,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Verb
-
Families are driving instead of flying, opting for shorter getaways and looking for more budget-friendly options like cruises or trips closer to home.—
Adrienne Roberts,
Freep.com,
27 July 2025
-
The soft fabric drapes beautifully without swallowing your petite frame whole, and the length hits right at the ankle to keep you from tripping over it.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 July 2025
Noun
-
The man in question is Chit, TikTok and Instagram’s latest comedy obsession, and this Amelia Bedelia–esque mix-up is the basis of a video that currently has over 63 million views across both platforms.—
Hershal Pandya,
Vulture,
24 July 2025
-
The play about two sets of twins is popular for its mistaken-identity mix-ups, slapstick and physicality.—
David L. Coddon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 July 2025
Verb
-
In other words, keep up or watch your competition blow past you.—
Shep Hyken,
Forbes.com,
3 Aug. 2025
-
Bednar allowed a solo homer, a double, and a pair of singles to blow the lead for the Yankees.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Wounded, Hyman stumbled to her desk and died from her wounds, according to one of the officials who reviewed the video.—
John Miller,
CNN Money,
3 Aug. 2025
-
In May, the WHS announced that a fisherman stumbled upon a historic shipwreck in Lake Michigan.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The move sparked anxiety, confusion and intense pushback from public school districts and advocates nationwide.—
Rachel Wegner,
The Tennessean,
27 July 2025
-
Anxious confusion creeps in when the Virgo moon triggers Uranus.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
26 July 2025
Verb
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That’s obviously the most ambitious goal on the table for us, because that whole system is clearly screwed up almost beyond repair unless somebody else comes in and upends it all.—
Frank DiGiacomo,
Billboard,
21 July 2025
-
Sometimes your audio is all screwed up and echoing, there are weird pauses everywhere, and nothing interesting gets said.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Foul-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foul-up. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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