1
as in fumbled
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 disrupted
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 stumbled
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 licked
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 messed (up)
Verb
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The Warriors had a chance to send the game to overtime on the final possession of regulation, but Post, who hit four 3s on the night, fumbled the catch and turned the ball over, leaving the Knicks with the ball as the shot clock expired.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
16 Mar. 2026 -
In a stunning blowout Friday night, KU fumbled its conference tournament semifinal against the Houston Cougars, losing 69-47.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The war with Iran has disrupted oil production and distribution as the Islamic Republic targets shipping traffic and energy infrastructure with the intention of inflicting economic pain on its adversaries.—
Claire Malon,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Mar. 2026
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But the war with Iran has also disrupted some key air shipping lanes, particularly to Europe.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Florida stumbled so badly that the Gators fired coach Billy Napier.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
18 Mar. 2026
-
And yet Minnesota somehow stumbled into someone who could be much better than that – for effectively none of the cost.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Of course, the flue was closed, so the fire licked up the walls, left a smell like the fall, like ancient smokehouses and dung.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Mar. 2026
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At Nadeau’s Ice Sculptures, the oldest carving factory in America, a team of former archaeologists and butchers creates ephemeral art designed to be licked, touched, and eventually, lost.—
Blair Braverman,
Outside,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But to be fair, if worn independently, any of these products could be easily confused for any standard accessory thanks to smaller chips and sensors.—
Brian Cheung,
NBC news,
16 Mar. 2026
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Brad Pitt once confused DiCaprio's parents for extras.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Pastrnak was tripped by Aleksei Protas trying to break out of his own zone and it was egregiously let go by the officials.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
14 Mar. 2026
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Hughes came out of his home and approached the students pulling the prank, and then tripped and fell into the street, authorities previously said.—
Caroline Silva,
AJC.com,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Kings pounded the Clippers inside and controlled the boards behind a balanced attack.—
Janis Carr,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
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The atmospheric scientist was chasing thunderstorms near Kankakee Tuesday night that swept across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana — producing destructive tornadoes that razed houses and farmland, and pelting hail that pounded roofs and smashed car windows.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In the play’s climax, the hero is stripped naked and lashed to a horse, which is sent galloping across the stage.—
Betsy Golden Kellem,
JSTOR Daily,
18 Mar. 2026
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Trump’s comment came in a radio interview with Fox News host Brian Kilmeade, and a week after the president lashed out at Fox News reporter Peter Doocy for asking him at the White House about reports that Russia was aiding Iran.—
Dan Mangan,
CNBC,
13 Mar. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Messed (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/messed%20%28up%29. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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