as in to fumble
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way
I swear, she mucks up everything she tries
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Recent Examples of muck up
But Davidson believes that employees lied to government officials and mucked up the S.E.C. investigation.
—
Adam Iscoe, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
Employing Pitino’s signature full-court press, St. John’s was able to muck up the game to set up a close finish.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 22 Mar. 2025
If anyone was concerned about Rudy Gobert’s return to the lineup potentially mucking up what’s been a good Timberwolves offense of late, Sunday’s result had to alleviate some anxiety.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 10 Mar. 2025
Of all the crew members, Mouse is the most philosophical, speaking early about how the machines have mucked up the taste of his favorite cereal.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for muck up
Adam Iscoe, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
Employing Pitino’s signature full-court press, St. John’s was able to muck up the game to set up a close finish.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 22 Mar. 2025
If anyone was concerned about Rudy Gobert’s return to the lineup potentially mucking up what’s been a good Timberwolves offense of late, Sunday’s result had to alleviate some anxiety.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 10 Mar. 2025
Of all the crew members, Mouse is the most philosophical, speaking early about how the machines have mucked up the taste of his favorite cereal.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for muck up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for muck up
Verb
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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
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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
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Kaus was setting up the umbrella when a gust of wind blew her off a lifeguard stand, dropping her on the point end of the 1-inch metal pole, NJ.com reported.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
21 July 2025
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In the marquee Challenger matchup of the weekend, a rematch of the Mid-Season final, Las Vegas blew the doors off of Nashville.—
Todd Boss,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
Verb
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Democrats are facing pressure to fight Trump, Republicans are cutting spending with the rescissions package, and somehow Congress always finds a way to screw up the regular spending bill process.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
22 July 2025
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Now the most popular thing on this carnival ride is the Home Run Derby, which isn’t baseball, but a show of strength — and to me, a clown show with juiced baseballs. Tatis wisely chose to skip this Derby, which has been known to screw up swings.—
Nick Canepa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 July 2025
Verb
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Year-long court battles have been waged over exactly how clean the water in the Everglades has to be without fouling up the whole system.—
Alex Harris
July 3,
Miami Herald,
3 July 2025
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His idea is included in the tweet below: By adopting this policy, the league would immediately change the calculations that come with fouling up three.—
Mat Issa,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Verb
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However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
1 Aug. 2025
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Freezing her eggs was a priority because chemotherapy could ruin her chances of fertility and natural birth.—
David Oliver,
USA Today,
31 July 2025
Verb
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The outlandish rocker, who later embarked on a solo career, was booted from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to his rampant drug and alcohol addiction.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
23 July 2025
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CSPs that are getting booted are allowed to continue conducting business as normal until October 31.—
Scharon Harding,
ArsTechnica,
16 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Muck up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/muck%20up. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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