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
This wouldn’t be the first time such a discrepancy mucks up the MCU.
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Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 26 July 2024
Stock market The stock market is off to its best start to a year since 1997 but a massive dockworkers strike underway in the US could muck up some of that progress, economists say.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN, 2 Oct. 2024
Mercury confronting Neptune is mucking up communication.
—USA TODAY, 25 Sep. 2024
The sphere is now rigged to heat and cool things—space gets very hot and very cold—and to handle simulant, which would muck up a standard vacuum system.
—Matthew Hutson, The New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for muck up 
Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 26 July 2024
Stock market The stock market is off to its best start to a year since 1997 but a massive dockworkers strike underway in the US could muck up some of that progress, economists say.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN, 2 Oct. 2024
Mercury confronting Neptune is mucking up communication.
—USA TODAY, 25 Sep. 2024
The sphere is now rigged to heat and cool things—space gets very hot and very cold—and to handle simulant, which would muck up a standard vacuum system.
—Matthew Hutson, The New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for muck up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for muck up
Verb
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Taylor started Indy’s unraveling by fumbling away a would-be 41-yard touchdown early in the third quarter that would’ve given Indianapolis a 20-7 lead.Nick Kosmider, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
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That’s what Matt Stafford did after fumbling through the start of the game.Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
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In 2021, digital health startups raised $29.1 billion, blowing past all previous funding records, according to a report from Rock Health.Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 24 Dec. 2024
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Travelers with heart or respiratory issues should also take caution and check the air quality before their visit, as strong winds are blowing volcanic gas and particles.Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
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So messy was his operation that even the NCAA’s oafs couldn’t screw up that investigation.Blake Toppmeyer, The Tennessean, 19 Dec. 2024
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But Mike gets in his face to say that Brady's the one screwing up his own life.Sara Netzley, EW.com, 19 Dec. 2024
Verb
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For just one of 67 counties to use the wrong one could foul up an entire statewide count.Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2024
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See the stunning shot... AIRLINE 'CHAOS' – A flight was canceled after someone fouled up the aircraft amid delays.Fox News Staff, Fox News, 19 Oct. 2023
Verb
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Although the name suggests otherwise, the custard should never be allowed to actually boil, which would risk scrambling the eggs and ruining the custard.Elizabeth Hutchison Hicklin, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2024
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And these aren’t the only holiday hazards that can ruin your festive spirit.Terri Williams, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
Verb
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CeeDee Lamb had seven receptions for 105 yards, Brandon Aubrey booted in four field goals and Jalen Tolbert and Ezekiel Elliott each contributed one TD as quarterback Cooper Rush spread the wealth.Saad Yousuf, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
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As the underwhelming confrontation happens, Mia tries hard to sell the scene, cackling with all 32 teeth showing, and after Jacqueline is unceremoniously booted from the premises, whispering middling insults into the mic from the curb with her friend.Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 23 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near muck up
Cite this Entry
“Muck up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/muck%20up. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
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