1
as in mistake
an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy
clearly, there's been some sort of screwup about what time we were supposed to meet
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in butcher
someone who bungles an effort
don't ask the office screwup to arrange the holiday party
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to fumble
to make a mistake
we all screw up from time to time, so don't sweat it
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2
as in to blow
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way
you've totally screwed up the spreadsheet
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of screwup
Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 6 June 2025
His constant screwups are an expression of his karma — his need to sabotage himself and everyone around him.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 24 Apr. 2025
Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2025
Why are investors so calm in a world filled with war and chaos?
Because Iran’s options in terms of screwing up the oil market are actually quite limited.
—Jim Edwards, Fortune, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for screwup
Noun
Adults were once afraid of teens: the greasers of Rebel, the boppers of Beach Party, the stoners of Fast Times, the screwups of The Breakfast Club.
—Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 6 June 2025
His constant screwups are an expression of his karma — his need to sabotage himself and everyone around him.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
With Joe Maddon as his manager for the first half of his career, Hendricks was provided room to screw up — messing around with his mechanics and pitch arsenal — to become a top-end starting pitcher who helped the Chicago Cubs claim the 2016 World Series.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2025
Why are investors so calm in a world filled with war and chaos?
Because Iran’s options in terms of screwing up the oil market are actually quite limited.
—Jim Edwards, Fortune, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for screwup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for screwup
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
Noun
-
Developer Steven Ramos said the business would be a butcher shop, a bakery with coffee, and an ice cream counter.—
John Tuohy,
IndyStar,
14 July 2025
-
The market is just full of butcher shops, with the most ghastly whole pigs and halves of steers hanging from horrible hooks.—
John Updike,
New Yorker,
11 July 2025
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
-
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
-
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
Noun
-
Its acquisitions in consumer banking were at worst blunders and at best decent deals struck in pursuit of a doomed strategy.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
21 July 2025
-
Consider how McDonald's had to end an experiment with AI drive-thru ordering due to blunders that led to customer frustration and viral videos on social media.—
Rishi Kumar,
Forbes.com,
17 July 2025
Verb
-
Symptoms include shivering, memory loss, stumbling, confusion and sleepiness.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
23 July 2025
-
But the Mets’ rotation stumbled in the second half of June and into the All-Star break.—
Grant Brisbee,
New York Times,
22 July 2025
Verb
-
However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
1 Aug. 2025
-
The loss of this bag caused extreme stress and ruined what was supposed to be an epic trip of a lifetime.—
Christopher Elliott,
Mercury News,
31 July 2025
Noun
-
Without a robust knowledge foundation, these early wins can mask serious risks—from compliance breaches to costly decision errors.—
Stéphane Donzé,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
-
Pilot error caused the crash, according to a final report from the National Transportation Safety Board.—
Perry Vandell,
AZCentral.com,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Screwup.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/screwup. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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