messing (up)

verb

Definition of messing (up)next
present participle of mess (up)
1
as in fumbling
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way messed up the drawing and had to start over

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in disrupting
to undo the proper order or arrangement of a nap had messed up her hair and she looked a sight

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in stumbling
to make a mistake if anyone messes up even once while we're recording, we have to start all over again

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4
as in licking
to strike repeatedly threatened that he would mess him up if he cheated at the game

Synonyms & Similar Words

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for messing (up)
  1. disrupting
  2. licking
  3. pounding
  4. tripping
  5. hiding
  6. shuffling
  7. lashing
  8. disturbing
Verb
  • Climate change exacerbates the threats with rising temperatures disrupting migration patterns and diminishing the availability of milkweed, the monarch caterpillar's essential food source.
    Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
  • The decision depends on whether their conflict is disrupting the workplace.
    Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
Definition of disrupting
Verb
  • Robinson again warns her off, firmly telling her no, but Bella continues whimpering, stamping her feet, and—for good measure—licking her lips.
    Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Refrain from licking, picking or biting your lips.
    Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024
Definition of licking
Verb
  • But, that reality doesn’t stop the evangelists from pounding their chests and boldly declaring that everything from babies to Roombas should be put on chain.
    Jordan Yallen, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Hike through thrilling jungle terrain, explore a breathtaking network of underground caverns, and rappel down a stunning waterfall with a heart-pounding descent into the Belizean rainforest.
    Patricia Johnson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Dec. 2024
Definition of pounding
Verb
  • Instead, it's recommended to hang Christmas lights using a ladder to reduce the risk of accidentally slipping, tripping, or falling from the roof.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2024
  • This will also help avoid creating an unseen tripping hazard.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Nov. 2024
Definition of tripping
Verb
  • Your top performers have figured out a secret that's hiding in plain sight.
    B.D. Dalton, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
  • The Sanctuary follows Hunter, an eccentric American billionaire hiding in New Zealand.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2024
Definition of hiding
Verb
  • In addition, both received the Order of the British Empire in different years (2003 and 2017, respectively), and some tabloid media are shuffling the possibility of their knighthood.
    Nuria Luis, Glamour, 4 Dec. 2024
  • James has been shuffling between the Lakers and the G League as Los Angeles tries to work out a plan to give him time for development.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 24 Nov. 2024
Definition of shuffling
Verb
  • Loyal listeners were sorely disappointed, lashing out at Spotify with memes and mockery.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
  • Anxiously attached individuals may react by lashing out or masking fears with overly positive behaviors, reflecting their struggle between seeking connection and fearing rejection.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
Definition of lashing
Verb
  • Water from the bottom of the tray to avoid disturbing seeds.
    Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Samuel took this image from a distance and left quickly to avoid disturbing the bird.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024
Definition of disturbing
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.

Thesaurus Entries Near messing (up)

messing over

messing (up)

messing (with)

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Messing (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/messing%20%28up%29. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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