as in dazed
suffering from mental confusion
my brain grew more and more addle as I made my way through the tax instructions
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to bewilder
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
after slipping on the ice, Bethany was so addled that she left her groceries where they'd fallen
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of addle
Ann Hornaday, Twin Cities, 25 July 2019
Vulture, 31 Jan. 2024
Famously formerly addled but now sober and with new management, Adams played a five-show East Coast solo run, including at New York’s Carnegie Hall.
—Matt Wake | Mwake@al.com, al, 30 May 2023
See All Example Sentences for addle
Adjective
Soon enough, the foursome are in the back of that truck in an adventure that begins as a moneymaking scheme and promises to become a heroic journey into the heart of white supremacy at its most virulent and addle-minded.
—Ann Hornaday, Twin Cities, 25 July 2019
Verb
Writer’s block was extreme, and the alcohol had addled his mind.
—Vulture, 31 Jan. 2024
Famously formerly addled but now sober and with new management, Adams played a five-show East Coast solo run, including at New York’s Carnegie Hall.
—Matt Wake | Mwake@al.com, al, 30 May 2023
See All Example Sentences for addle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for addle
Adjective
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The feeling in the crowd was a kind of dazed submission.—
Amanda Petrusich,
New Yorker,
14 Apr. 2025
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While fielding applause at her Symphony Center show on Friday, harpist Brandee Younger made a dazed confession.—
Hannah Edgar,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Across the street, her husband Steve, who nursed Molly through her first fight with breast cancer a few years earlier, sits bewildered in the office of their couples therapist.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
27 Mar. 2025
-
Carlie thinks the whole thing is hilarious, and Chelsea remains bewildered by any King Cake Baby obsession.—
Chelsea Brasted,
Axios,
20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Apart from the odd bewildered tourist or local going about their day, the vast majority of people in the carriage were heading to what most regarded as a ‘must-win’ match at home to Everton and the vibe, like the team’s results in 2025, was mixed.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
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Every lap felt like a mind-numbing carousel ride through car exhaust and past bewildered pedestrians, while inhaling burrito-scented air.—
Marley Dickinson,
Outside Online,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
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This May, students from across the United States will gather in Washington D.C., for the 100th anniversary of the Scripps Spelling Bee, determined to conquer a spelling system that has baffled us for centuries.—
Gabe Henry,
Time,
15 Apr. 2025
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With a fastball that tops out around 87 mph, Barrett finds other ways to baffle hitters.—
Dave Melton,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Even internal morale can take a hit when leadership appears distracted or unstable.—
David Centeno,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
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June fills in her friend on Mayday's plan to come back, kill the distracted commanders, and free all the girls.—
Matt Cabral,
EW.com,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
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But there are differences that can leave college fans perplexed, like when productive and highly decorated players tumble down the draft board.—
Scott Dochterman,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
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This abrupt conclusion to their title reign left many fans perplexed, questioning the logic behind their initial victory.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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However, the tricky part is that communications are confused, especially with family members or home repairs.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
1 May 2025
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The panel seemed confused, and Cannon seemed amused, as Lucky Duck explained that both Coral and Boogie Woogie would be safe and heading to the finale.—
Lauren Huff,
EW.com,
1 May 2025
Verb
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And when the series takes an occasional serious turn, you'll just be confused.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
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However, simply getting older doesn’t equate to consistently missing bills or appointments, having a hard time speaking with people, or feeling lost or confused in places that are familiar to you.—
Alisa Hrustic,
SELF,
1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Addle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/addle. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
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