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.

Brokers have the option to buy an additional 83.3 million shares as part of a standard overallotment option to help balance supply and demand, messing up the nine fives.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

Brands are terrified of messing up their relationships with the youngest adult consumers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 14, 2025

Standing behind him were a few city staffers who had worked tirelessly to get the Roosevelt running, and he commended them, messing up the name of one person and the title of another.

From Slate • Jul. 17, 2025

“I keep messing up my curve balls,” she shouts, manically flicking her fingers across her phone screen to throw Poké Balls, the spherical tools used to catch Pokémon, the mission of the game.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2025

There’s a breeze messing up her hair, and the bright winter sun’s making her crinkle up her eyes, so you’re not sure if she’s smiling at our antics, or just grimacing in the light.

From "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro