Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for mess up. Search instead for messflug.
Definitions

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.

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

He started out with some basic tips: Fill the shaker with the least expensive ingredients first, so you don’t waste the expensive stuff if you mess up.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

When a stitch isn’t working, or I mess up the seam, I’ll delegitimize myself a little bit and think I’m a fraud because I’m having people pay me for this.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 8, 2025

I think now that if Aunt Loma hadn’t wanted the live mouse, it never would of dawned on me to mess up the play.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns