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messing up

VERB

disorder, dirty

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

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.

It’s a song about a ne’er-do-well who can’t help messing up, and Mr. Kahan wishes the best for him—hoping his greatest fears are earthly threats like personal safety and cancer and not eternal damnation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

I’m always nervous, and I’m always messing up jokes.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 2025

A singer has apologised after swearing on live TV and "messing up" a performance of the US national anthem.

From BBC • Oct. 27, 2024

“I think your fake eyelashes are messing up what you’re reading,” Greene said to Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett.

From Slate • May 21, 2024

And my sister yelled at my cousin Mike for rolling down the window while he was driving and messing up her hair.

From "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky