make a mess

VERB

mistake

Synonyms

STRONGEST

confuse miscalculate misconstrue misinterpret misjudge misread overestimate overlook underestimate

STRONG

addle blunder botch bungle confound err fail goof jumble lapse misapprehend misconceive miscount miss omit slip snarl tangle

WEAK

be off the mark be wrong deceive oneself get wrong have wrong impression misdeem misknow miss the boat not know put foot in slip up take for

Antonyms

STRONGEST

understand

STRONG

accomplish achieve clear up correct do well fix succeed uncomplicate

WEAK

be certain be sure comprehend interpret perceive

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 tried to make a mess of a pretty basic chip there on 18," Scheffler said.

From Barron's • Feb. 21, 2026

I think it’s important to make a mess because sometimes that’s how creative things happen.

From New York Times • Nov. 23, 2024

Hearts make a mess of clearing their lines again and John Lundstram smashes one over from 20-odd yards.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2024

Kittell said the storm could make a mess of the Monday morning commute, including freeway flooding and major delays across L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2024

When I laughed, he said, “If you’re not going to make a mess when you eat ribs, you may as well not bother.”

From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson

make a mess

Example Sentences

Related Words