mix up

1 of 2

verb

mixed up; mixing up; mixes up

transitive verb

1

: to mistakenly think that (someone or something) is someone or something else : confuse

mixed the twins up

mixed up the times for the meetings

2

: to mistakenly put (something) in a place where something else should be

mixed up the two files

3

: to cause (someone) to be involved in a usually dangerous or improper activity

—usually used as (be/get) mixed up in

got mixed up in an illegal scheme

4

: to cause (someone) to become involved with usually bad or dangerous people

mix-up

2 of 2

noun

ˈmiks-ˌəp 

1

: a state or instance of confusion

a mix-up in our hotel reservations

2

: mixture

3

: conflict, fight

Synonyms of mix up

Noun

• mistake
• confusion
• foul-up

Examples of mix up in a Sentence

Noun

there was a mix-up at the airport and our luggage was accidentally sent to Ohio

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Freeling also has experience in a balanced running attack that mixes up zone and gap schemes, which is similar to what the Panthers do. —Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026

The defining moment of San Francisco getting mixed up with Cincinnati was when left-hander Erik Miller struck out rookie Sal Stewart to end last Thursday’s game, then subsequently ignited a benches-clearing brouhaha. —Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026

Noun

The reason for this is because a strong energy is building up before tomorrow’s Full Moon, which can distract you or cause mix-ups in communications and transportation. —Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 30 Apr. 2026

The mix-up quickly turned what was meant to be a romantic gesture into a hilarious moment. —Staff Author, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

mix-up

noun

ˈmik-ˌsəp

: an instance of confusion