Synonyms of screwup

screwup 1 of 2

noun

ˈskrü-ˌəp 

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

• mistake
• blunder
• error
• misstep
• flub
• fumble
• inaccuracy
• miscue
• goof
• gaffe
• trip
• stumble
• fault
• slipup
• brick
• gaff
• oversight
• lapse
• bobble
• clanger
• boob
• slip
• boo-boo
• fluff
• clinker
• snafu
• blooper
• pratfall
• misunderstanding
• miscalculation
• misjudgment
• howler
• bloomer
• misstatement
• misreading
• foul-up
• misinterpretation
• boner
• misconception
• misconstruction
• miscomprehension
• misapprehension
• misimpression
• misdescription

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• accuracy
• precision
• correctness
• exactness
• strictness
• exactitude
• perfection
• infallibility
• preciseness
• inerrancy

2

as in butcher

someone who bungles an effort

don't ask the office screwup to arrange the holiday party

Synonyms & Similar Words

• butcher
• blunderer
• incompetent
• bungler
• bumbler
• blunderbuss
• fumbler
• botcher
• muddler

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• master
• expert
• virtuoso
• ace
• maestro
• wizard
• adept
• crackerjack
• crackajack

screw up

2 of 2

verb

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

• fumble
• stumble
• trip
• slip up
• lay an egg
• drop the ball
• foul up
• goof (up)
• louse up
• blunder
• err
• nod
• fluff
• mess (up)
• mistake
• flub
• misunderstand
• boob
• murder
• butcher
• botch
• misjudge
• muff
• bungle
• misconceive
• mangle
• misdeem
• misgauge
• miscalculate
• foozle
• mishandle
• misinterpret
• misconstrue
• bobble
• miscount
• miscue

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

• fumble
• blow
• ruin
• goof (up)
• foul up
• boot
• murder
• muck up
• dub
• destroy
• spoil
• louse up
• butcher
• bugger (up)
• botch
• mess (up)
• boggle
• bungle
• fluff
• muff
• mangle
• damage
• bollix (up)
• mar
• gum (up)
• foozle
• injure
• bumble
• flub
• bobble
• hurt
• wreck
• flaw
• impair
• harm
• muddle
• blunder
• mutilate
• blight
• vitiate
• blemish
• mismanage
• piffle
• mishandle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• improve
• help
• better
• enhance
• remedy
• reform
• refine
• ameliorate
• rectify
• patch
• repair
• fix
• meliorate
• renovate
• revamp
• doctor
• recondition

Examples of screwup in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Similar screwups would occur again and again over the years, with each side perennially overinterpreting the other’s behavior while explaining away its own. —Gideon Rose, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024

The Iowa caucus has also had its share of screwups. —Dan McLaughlin, National Review, 16 Jan. 2024

Verb

While all of that’s happening, your sign ruler Mercury is retrograde, screwing up communication and causing irritating technological mishaps. —Jennifer Culp, Them, 16 Aug. 2024

Andress’ performance marks the second time a major figure in country music has admitted to screwing up a high-profile performance while intoxicated. —Chris Willman, Variety, 16 July 2024