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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Now, contrast that to the recent experience of Ravens tight end Mark Andrews who, as every devoted local football fan will recall, both fumbled and dropped a crucial two-point conversion pass in a must-win playoff game against the Buffalo Bills.—
Baltimore Sun Editorial Board,
Orlando Sentinel,
25 Jan. 2025 -
Like Fuhrman, many were nervous about teachers fumbling over technology and classmates not paying attention.—
Daniel Miller,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Jan. 2025
Verb
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This sweeping decision could disrupt housing assistance, healthcare and education programs, disaster relief, and other programs that depend on federal dollars.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
28 Jan. 2025
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West End production of The Tempest was disrupted by climate crisis protesters on Monday night.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
28 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Then came an unexpected loss to West Virginia in the Bahamas and a few high-profile December stumbles.—
Jon Wilner,
The Mercury News,
3 Feb. 2025
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It's been nearly two weeks since Billy Ray Cyrus stumbled onstage during a performance at President Donald Trump's inauguration celebration.—
Christina Dugan Ramirez,
Fox News,
2 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Buffy loves to groom—in other words, lick—my hair, probably as an act of dominance, according to my vet.—
Elizabeth Denton,
Allure,
28 Jan. 2025
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Having another week off to lick wounds is pretty nice, too.—
Tom Layberger,
Forbes,
21 Jan. 2025
Verb
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But the wind is blowing strangely now that Donald Trump is back in the White House as President and officially fighting against diversity, equity and inclusion.—
Evan Clark,
WWD,
3 Feb. 2025
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By relying on the two most powerful forces blowing through Wall Street: the tenacious bid for stocks among retail investors and an immaculate rotation among sectors that insulates the tape against more violent moves.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
1 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The actress is a noted fan of cushiony kicks for family walks, trips to Japan, movie premieres, and fitness sessions and is often spotted wearing the Brooks brand, particularly the Glycerin 21 running shoes.—
Miles Walls,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Jan. 2025
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This newly available type of mental health treatment involves tripping on psilocybin-containing mushrooms under the supervision of a licensed guide, known as a facilitator.—
Tiney Ricciardi,
The Denver Post,
21 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The employee recounted how the customer, seemingly annoyed, gestured under his chin in a manner that initially confused her.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
6 Feb. 2025
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Activists on college campuses have confused the ability to occupy and disrupt physical space for the right to dissent verbally.—
Thomas Chatterton Williams,
The Atlantic,
6 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Peeking above aquamarine waves that hide the world's second-largest barrier reef, Belize's Ambergris Caye first emerged as a destination for the daring.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Feb. 2025
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There are conspiracy theorists who think that because the files haven’t been released yet, the government is hiding some evidence of larger conspiracies to kill these figures.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
TIME,
31 Jan. 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 9 Feb. 2025.
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