as in to fumble
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way
I swear, she mucks up everything she tries
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Recent Examples of muck up
Of all the crew members, Mouse is the most philosophical, speaking early about how the machines have mucked up the taste of his favorite cereal.
—
Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 6 Mar. 2025
Are other people mucking up your flow?
—USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2025
As might be expected, however, given that the legislation was promoted by champions of the regulatory state, both initiatives were mucked up with government mandates intended to sate favored special interests rather than to efficiently accomplish the task at hand.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 19 Jan. 2025
Duke Be less chaotic The Blue Devils are masters at mucking up a game, whether that’s by pressing, forcing turnovers or drawing (and committing) fouls.
—Sabreena Merchant, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for muck up
Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 6 Mar. 2025
Are other people mucking up your flow?
—USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2025
As might be expected, however, given that the legislation was promoted by champions of the regulatory state, both initiatives were mucked up with government mandates intended to sate favored special interests rather than to efficiently accomplish the task at hand.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 19 Jan. 2025
Duke Be less chaotic The Blue Devils are masters at mucking up a game, whether that’s by pressing, forcing turnovers or drawing (and committing) fouls.
—Sabreena Merchant, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for muck up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for muck up
Verb
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Massey ranged to his left, lost his footing and fumbled the ball.—
Evan Webeck,
Mercury News,
20 May 2025
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Gutierrez found the jury was confused by antitrust law elements and fumbled a calculation for damages by mistaking an overcharge with a discount.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
13 May 2025
Verb
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The weather can play a role too; rain can wash pollen from the air, while a windy day can blow it around, increasing your allergy symptoms.2 How Can You Prevent Allergy Symptoms?—
Kelly Burch Published,
Verywell Health,
23 May 2025
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That’s just the beginning, though—keep scrolling for more deals sure to blow you away (no pun intended).—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
23 May 2025
Verb
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As the professional in the room, that face is often screwed up in frustration when the camera isn’t rolling.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
18 May 2025
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But in laymen's terms, given the huge number of emergency appeals about Trump administration policies, this could really screw up justices' summer.—
Nina Totenberg,
NPR,
15 May 2025
Verb
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But Paige has been there, injuries fouling up her career, too.—
John Nogowski,
Hartford Courant,
25 Mar. 2025
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This brings back the Bilas comment from long ago on fouling up two.—
Joe Rexrode,
The Athletic,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
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However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.—
Tanasia Kenney,
Miami Herald,
22 May 2025
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Thessaloniki, Greece Greece is an iconic travel destination with ancient history, ruins steeped in lore, and picture-perfect Mediterranean beaches.—
Kathleen Peddicord,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
Verb
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Royals second baseman Jonathan India booted a ground ball with one out.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
24 May 2025
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In a similar trajectory to Liberty, Southeastern Louisiana shocked and eliminated the No. 10 LSU Tigers in the opening game 4-3, booting them into the losers bracket.—
Allison Smith,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Muck up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/muck%20up. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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