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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Example Sentences
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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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The stress of getting to your airport gate on time, coupled with the excitement of getting to your destination, can cause even the most seasoned of travelers to fumble at security checkpoints.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
17 May 2025
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For example, if an officer sees someone swerving, fumbling with items, or clearly not paying attention to the road, the interior light might factor into a citation for reckless or inattentive driving.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 May 2025
Verb
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Julia snuck some matchstick carrots into the potato mixture, then blew my socks off with a punchy, springy topping of feta, mint, dill, and chives.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
23 May 2025
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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
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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But that stumble constitutes Hwang’s only confrontation with the hypocrisy that ruins Yellow Face and its inherent PBS conceit.—
Armond White,
National Review,
21 May 2025
Verb
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Fortnite was booted from iPhones and Apple’s App Store in 2020, after Epic Games updated its software to link out to the company’s website and avoid Apple’s commissions.—
Kif Leswing,
CNBC,
9 May 2025
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Using secure boot to stop malicious software from launching during startup. TPM can detect changes and prevent your system from booting, keeping your device secure from physical attacks.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Muck up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/muck%20up. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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