muddled; muddling
ˈməd-liŋ 
ˈmə-dᵊl-iŋ
2
: to befog or stupefy (see stupefy sense 1) especially with liquor
The drink muddled him and his voice became loud and domineering.
3
: to mix confusedly
muddles the household accounts
4
: to make a mess of : bungle
muddled themselves into the most indefensible positions—
A. N. Whitehead
A. N. Whitehead
: to think or act in a confused aimless way
She muddled along for a year before going to college.
1
: a state of especially mental confusion
2
: a confused mess
Examples of muddle in a Sentence
Verb
a car shopper thoroughly muddled by too much well-meaning advice
some mischievous brat had muddled the household accounts
Noun
His papers were in a muddle.
His mind was a muddle.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025
When hatred is this blatant, and the response from institutions and leaders is muted or muddled, something foundational is eroding.
Antisemitism has always been a threat, but its resurgence, and frightening acceptance, in mainstream American life is dangerous and disorienting.
—Larry Hogan, Baltimore Sun, 4 June 2025
Rebecca Solnit
january 13, Literary Hub, 13 Jan. 2021
On the menu: Reconciliation bill still sinking with voters; New York mayoral muddle; DNC’s chair agonistes; Crowded field could save Cassidy; Don’t sweat it
Today is West Virginia Day, the holiday celebrating the 35th state’s admission to the union on June 20, 1863.
—Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for muddle
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Verb
The beets overpower the beef and muddle any nuance in the tartare.
—Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025
When hatred is this blatant, and the response from institutions and leaders is muted or muddled, something foundational is eroding.
Antisemitism has always been a threat, but its resurgence, and frightening acceptance, in mainstream American life is dangerous and disorienting.
—Larry Hogan, Baltimore Sun, 4 June 2025
Noun
In some ways his behavior since the election was more an emotional meltdown than a strategic plan, or a muddle of the two.
—Rebecca Solnit
january 13, Literary Hub, 13 Jan. 2021
On the menu: Reconciliation bill still sinking with voters; New York mayoral muddle; DNC’s chair agonistes; Crowded field could save Cassidy; Don’t sweat it
Today is West Virginia Day, the holiday celebrating the 35th state’s admission to the union on June 20, 1863.
—Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for muddle
Cite this Entry
“Muddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muddle. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
muddle
2 of 2 noun1
: a state of confusion or bewilderment
2
: a confused mess : jumble
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