Definitions

mess up

[mes-uhp] / ˈmɛsˌʌp /

Part of Speech:

All (2) Verb (1) Noun (1)

Jump To:

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.

mess up

It is just as easy to mess up the timing of a passive index swap as it is a stock trade.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 25, 2026

But that can happen any place on any day, and nobody has to mess up an arid ecosystem to enjoy it.

From Salon ● Jul. 24, 2026

“I’d rather mess up naturally than not mess up unnaturally.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2026

"Just don't mess up," he said, in a succinct piece of management advice.

From BBC ● Jul. 3, 2026

If I mess up, millions of people are going to know.

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman

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