as in mistake
an instance of confusion
there was a foul-up with our mail order, and not one item arrived as ordered
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in to fumble
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way
tried not to foul up the football play
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to trip
to make a mistake
unfortunately, I fouled up and in my e-mail gave everyone the wrong date for the meeting
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of foul-up
Lance Eliot, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2024
Rather, inflation had arisen from supply chain foul-ups caused by the Covid epidemic, an act of God rendered worse by comic-opera mismanagement under President Donald Trump.
—Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 30 June 2023
Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 15 Feb. 2026
These people are aiming to foul up the central database.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for foul-up
Noun
That foul-up then gets included in the series of questions and answers, causing the final answer to go askew.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2024
Rather, inflation had arisen from supply chain foul-ups caused by the Covid epidemic, an act of God rendered worse by comic-opera mismanagement under President Donald Trump.
—Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 30 June 2023
Verb
Karaban almost had a costly turnover on an inbound play with 14 seconds left, but the Huskies fouled up three and Mulready split his free throw attempts, setting up the game-clinching freebies from the Huskies’ captain.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 15 Feb. 2026
These people are aiming to foul up the central database.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for foul-up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foul-up
Noun
-
The Magic became stagnant and settled for poor shots while the Pistons took full advantage of Orlando’s mistakes.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 May 2026
-
In fact, many passengers unknowingly make small mistakes in premium cabins that can affect both their own comfort and the overall flight experience.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Travel + Leisure,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
But there’s a risk the Commission will fumble.—
Parmy Olson,
Mercury News,
25 Apr. 2026
-
There was an emotional honesty that embraced the idea that growth isn’t always linear (see Andie from The Devil Wears Prada, fumbling a relationship with a good guy because her career came first).—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Because Hathaway was penalized for tripping Elmer Soderblom and and roughing Malkin, in addition to Konecny's roughing minor, Pittsburgh received a power-play.—
Garrett Behanna,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Space heaters provided heat, but the sloths were kept in the cold for at least one night after a fuse tripped.—
Ryan Brennan
April 27,
Kansas City Star,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The company said no illnesses had been reported in relation to the mix-up as of April 23.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Label each basket clearly to avoid any mix-ups; consider clip-on labels for fabric baskets or labeling the shelf for quick and easy identification.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The family documents describe comfortable lives and prosperous businesses blown apart by the war and the mounting Nazi menace.—
Andrew Silow-Carroll,
Sun Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The focus narrows in on the remaining passengers and crew in the main sections of the aircraft not blown to bits, the cockpit and a stretch of the main cabin (finally, a reward for flying coach), precariously perched on a reef outcrop.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
As Laugier’s story continues, the man wanders through a forest, stumbles upon fallen branches, and has an epiphany.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 May 2026
-
Mazzulla, who’s trumpeted the Celtics depth at every turn this season, shouldn’t hesitate to use it if his starters stumble on Saturday.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
Invite someone in, agree on a clear next step, and follow through together so momentum builds without confusion or mixed signals.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Apr. 2026
-
After shooting, there was initial confusion as to what had happened before journalists were able to reach their news outlets to report the details of what unfolded.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
These days, revivals that just manage to come and go without screwing up are seen as, if not a success, than an acceptable effort.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
10 Apr. 2026
-
But what really screws up Julia are the deliveries.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Foul-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foul-up. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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