1
as in mistake
an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy
clearly, there's been some sort of screwup about what time we were supposed to meet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in butcher
someone who bungles an effort
don't ask the office screwup to arrange the holiday party
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to fumble
to make a mistake
we all screw up from time to time, so don't sweat it
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to blow
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way
you've totally screwed up the spreadsheet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of screwup
Chris Welch, The Verge, 17 Sep. 2024
There were so many lies, gaffes and screwups that there isn’t enough room to list them.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2024
Lydia Patrick, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
Poor performance is 95% the result of work processes breaking down, not employees screwing up.
—Letters To The Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for screwup
Noun
And considering the premature appearance on the website (and now these images), that might happen sooner than later as Sonos looks to get back on track after a colossal screwup.
—Chris Welch, The Verge, 17 Sep. 2024
There were so many lies, gaffes and screwups that there isn’t enough room to list them.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2024
Verb
Your sister could have screwed up your business for the next few years.
—Lydia Patrick, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
Poor performance is 95% the result of work processes breaking down, not employees screwing up.
—Letters To The Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for screwup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for screwup
Noun
-
Before formally apologizing to her, Phillips tells Danny about how the stringent demands of Dr. Broussard, who visited Maguire in Episode 4, led him to nick a vessel during an outpatient procedure on a 20-year-old man named Julio, and Phillips’ parents then covered up his fatal mistake.—
Max Gao,
Variety,
4 Apr. 2025
-
There is a huge difference between preparing with the obsession of not making mistakes and preparing with the desire to effectively convey a message.—
Chiara Alzati,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The latter was my choice, a lively room that felt like an upscale butcher shop turned restaurant with as many locals as hotel guests.—
Everett Potter,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Artisans across Brooklyn were making their own bean-to-bar chocolate, canning pickles, opening old-timey butcher shops, and forging knives.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
These are both great, morally complex characters with compelling stories and the trailer certainly looks terrific: However much Disney has fumbled the Star Wars IP over the last decade, the animated stuff has mostly been quite good.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
-
During the Mets’ loss to the Marlins, Vientos was jogging to first base when Miami’s Graham Pauley fumbled the ball.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
What used to build brands now risks blowing them up.—
Remy Blumenfeld,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Apr. 2025
-
Miles Caton blew me away and Michael B. jordan is incredible.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The lawyer, author and consulting firm CEO has spent more than 30 years counseling people through their biggest blunders and controversies, from former president George H. W. Bush to Fortune 500 CEOs and professional athletes.—
Ashton Jackson,
CNBC,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Russell Westbrook bounced back from his decisive blunder against Minnesota by scoring a season-high 30 points and adding 11 rebounds, six assists and three steals.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Discovery: On a hike with her family, a 3-year-old stumbled across a 3,800-year-old Egyptian amulet.—
Justin Porter,
New York Times,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Listen to this article The morning after his fifth suicide attempt, Rick Fisher stumbled to a church and pounded on the doors.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
An attorney representing former Santa Clara Vice Mayor Anthony Becker is asking a county judge to give the ex-official probation — not jail time — arguing that his conviction late last year has already damaged his reputation and ruined his career, according to a new court filing.—
Grace Hase,
Mercury News,
4 Apr. 2025
-
However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.—
Simone Jasper,
Miami Herald,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
In the last two decades, five helicopters on commercial sightseeing flights have crashed into the Hudson and East rivers due to mechanical failures, pilot errors, or collisions, resulting in 20 fatalities.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
-
In the last two decades, five helicopters on commercial sightseeing flights have fallen into the Hudson and East rivers as a result of mechanical failures, pilot errors or collisions, killing 20 people.—
Jake Offenhartz,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Screwup.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/screwup. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share