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Definition of snafu

snafu

/snæˈfuː/
sna · fu
Plural:snafus
•
Adjective:snafu
•
Past Simple:snafu'd
•
Past Participle:snafu'd
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Present Participle:snafuing
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snafu Lexical Profile

snafu Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A confused or chaotic state; a messy, badly handled, or fouled-up situation.

Example

"A scheduling snafu left two different guest speakers booked in the same auditorium at noon."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• adjective

1

In a state of utter confusion, chaos, or disorder.

Example

"The entire flight schedule went completely snafu after the winter storm hit the main hub."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To throw into disorder or confusion; to bungle or ruin a plan or operation.

Example

"A sudden server outage managed to snafu the online registration process on opening day."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for snafu

• Nearby Words

snacker
snacky
snaffle
snafu
snag
snaggled
snaggletooth

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 1940s during World War II as an American military slang acronym for 'situation normal: all fouled up' (originally using a stronger expletive).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Snafu. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/snafu
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