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've been in a daze ever since I saw the announcement. Until more information comes out, I need to be careful not to mess up my daily life from overthinking," wrote X user Yachi.

From Barron's • Jun. 26, 2026

It's the same old story for Turkey really - they have got some quality players and yet they mess up when they get to a major finals.

From BBC • Jun. 24, 2026

Aromatics, herbs and spices: This is where things become delightfully difficult to mess up.

From Salon • Jun. 16, 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

Was it worth it to mess up your whole life for the sake of a few dozen lines scrawled on walls and lockers and garbage dumpsters?

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman

mess up

Example Sentences

Related Words