1
as in jumble
a state in which everything is out of order
things at the newly built school were all in a muddle on opening day
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2
as in daze
a state of mental confusion
I was in such a muddle after the accident that I didn't know where I was
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3
as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty
the new, supposedly improved forms simply put taxpayers in a bigger muddle
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4
as in variety
an unorganized collection or mixture of various things
a muddle of old magazines piled on the shelves
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1
as in to confuse
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
a car shopper thoroughly muddled by too much well-meaning advice
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2
as in to disrupt
to undo the proper order or arrangement of
some mischievous brat had muddled the household accounts
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of muddle
Ars Technica, 29 Feb. 2024
This strategic muddle is the focus of discussion in regional capitals, as well as in Moscow and Beijing.
—Brett McGurk, Foreign Affairs, 22 Jan. 2020
Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2025
Murphy’s recent shows at his legacy home base, FX, have been muddled and baroque, but on ABC, he’s got the goods, as evidenced by the premiere episode of his new show set on a luxury cruise ship.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for muddle
Noun
Microsoft is stepping in to try to straighten up this muddle of conceptually similar, executionally different technologies with a new API called DirectSR (the SR is for Super Resolution).
—Ars Technica, 29 Feb. 2024
This strategic muddle is the focus of discussion in regional capitals, as well as in Moscow and Beijing.
—Brett McGurk, Foreign Affairs, 22 Jan. 2020
Verb
Simply muddle fresh mint into your glass, or garnish with a few sprigs for a simple but impactful finishing touch.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2025
Murphy’s recent shows at his legacy home base, FX, have been muddled and baroque, but on ABC, he’s got the goods, as evidenced by the premiere episode of his new show set on a luxury cruise ship.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for muddle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for muddle
Noun
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Instead, voters themselves are jumbles of competing and sometimes contradictory interests.—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
14 Feb. 2025
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Baker also leads the orchestra, which sounds grand — although the sound in the arts center’s Pugh Theater often left musicians, lead singers and chorus all at the same level, with actors speaking over all of it at the same time to create a sonic jumble.—
Matthew J. Palm,
Orlando Sentinel,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The bill would directly conflict with federal law, opening the door for homeowners to face confusion regarding what is permitted.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2025
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However, since the start of 2025, there has been confusion among many in college mental health about how to comply with the intentions of the federal government.—
Eric Wood,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
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This is especially important in light of a variety of concerning trends that are picking up pace.—
Jim Pauley,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
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These disposable melamine sponges work well for cleaning a variety of items, but they shouldn't be used on everything.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Apr. 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
Verb
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When someone has it, their immune system goes into overdrive, producing more antibodies (or immunoglobulins, hence the name) than necessary that disrupt typical organ function.—
David Oliver,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
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The administration’s moves will also halt a first-of-its-kind study of the causes of thousands of firefighters’ cancer cases and disrupt a program that provides health care to emergency personnel who responded to the World Trade Center terrorist attacks.—
Mark Olalde,
ProPublica,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Mona Sunset and Natural Runner Runners are great for hallways and kitchens where messes are inevitable.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
26 Apr. 2025
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And, just as quickly, they were derided for their tendency to disintegrate into a mushy mess.—
Hiroko Tabuchi,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
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When a massive storm knocked out power and sent the world outside into a flickering haze of uncertainty — no streetlights, no signal, no safety net — James was there.—
Nina E. Cerfolio,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Apr. 2025
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Duhamel walks us through Staten's rash actions, still driven by being lost in a haze of grief, including a punch that will have serious repercussions for Staten going forward.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The Morning Fog Effect: Coastal Chilean Wine Perhaps the most visible manifestation of the Humboldt's influence is the morning fog.—
Jill Barth,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
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On Thursday at 11:09 p.m. a dense fog advisory was issued by the NWS San Diego CA valid for Friday between 2 a.m. and 9 a.m. for Orange County Coastal.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
11 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Muddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/muddle. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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