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

But the Scotsman overhit an eight iron off the tee at the 13th to miss the green and a fourth bogey soon followed, only for Scheffler to make a mess of the next.

From BBC • Aug. 17, 2025

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

From New York Times • Nov. 23, 2024

His songs allude to anxiety about his success — “Break the rules, cross a line, make a mess / This could be the only chance that you get,” he sings on “Let It Burn.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 4, 2024

Zero’s absence would stunt the growth of mathematics, stifle innovation in science, and, incidentally, make a mess of the calendar.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

make a mess

Example Sentences

Related Words