mess up

[mes-uhp] / ˈmɛsˌʌp /

VERB

create disorder; dirty; goof

Synonyms

WEAK

befoul besmirch bobble bollix botch bungle clutter confuse damage derange destroy disarrange discompose dishevel disorganize disturb foul goof up gum up jumble litter louse up muddle pollute ruin rummage scramble screw up smear soil spoil unsettle upset

Antonyms

WEAK

arrange order organize tidy

NOUN

an error, mistake; confusion

Synonyms

STRONG

blunder faux pas gaffe goof mix-up muss shambles

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“I like to have my little secret area where I can mess up as many times as I want without any eyes on me.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

When she asks me to place a hand on my heart again, I do, repeating, “I am here. I did not mess up my kid forever. My timing is impeccable.”

From Slate • May 10, 2026

"But if you mess up on track and field, then it all goes away."

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

“If we mess up, everyone knows we exist.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 21, 2025

I swallow a few mouthfuls of water and lose count of my strokes and mess up my breathing.

From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed

mess up

Example Sentences

Related Words