cock-up

noun

Definition of cock-upnext
British
as in shambles

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cock-up
  1. botch
  2. mess
  3. fiasco
  4. muddle
  5. disaster
  6. catastrophe
  7. debacle
Noun
  • Of course this was a calculated power play, not a bureaucratic botch.
    — U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
  • During last week's WWE SmackDown, a series of mistakes and botches drew harsh criticism from fans.
    — Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Definition of botch
Noun
  • But the mess took a turn when the Guardians announced a slight change in the tickets for the game.
    — Ryan Morik OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The entirety of the toppings tumble off the dog with the first bite, but the mess is worth it.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of mess
Noun
  • The 76ers hope the list of fiascos ends with James and Brown — and with a parade down Broad Street.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • You were beaten even by She-Devil, Roseanne Barr’s own box office fiasco.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of fiasco
Noun
  • Blend yours with frozen mango, muddle in fresh blackberries, or infuse the tequila with chiles.
    — Hannah Lee Leidy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Although its advocates may claim inspiration from both the Great Society tradition of the Democratic Party and Nordic-style democratic socialism, consumer socialism is really a muddle of the two.
    — Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026
Definition of muddle
Noun
  • Faizi said ambulances and disaster management personnel arrived from a nearby facility within five minutes of being alerted.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
  • For example, largely because of the environmental disaster that is Weikuang Dam, the country doesn’t permit the development or operation of stand-alone monazite mines—that is, mines where nothing is mined except monazite ore.
    — Glenn Zorpette, IEEE Spectrum, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of disaster
Noun
  • In a 2024 interview with TIME, Netanyahu denied making the statement, insisting that the payments were meant to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Information and statistics are flying around, with some groups framing the AI data center boom as a potential environmental catastrophe, while others say concerns are overblown or even fake.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of catastrophe
Noun
  • The notices, the standing ovations, the awards buzz — all of it represents a stunning reversal of fortune for Guadagnino after the Amazon debacle in June.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Plus, through water, hot temperatures, and other kitchen debacles, the Overseas has remained in perfect condition.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of debacle
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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cocktails
cock-up
cock-ups
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Cite this Entry

“Cock-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cock-up. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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