BAMBOOZLED Synonyms: 135 Similar and Opposite Words

bamboozled

verb

Definition of bamboozled

past tense of bamboozle

as in tricked

to cause to believe what is untrue bamboozled by con men into buying worthless land in the desert

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in baffled

to throw into a state of mental uncertainty I'm completely bamboozled by the latest changes in the tax code

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of bamboozled Owen is bamboozled by a cunning opportunist, handcuffed, and robbed in his underwear. — Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026 Watch Daizen Maeda’s strike against Sweden, a delightful one- and two-touch passing move that bamboozled the opposition defense. — David Hickey, NBC news, 29 June 2026 To enter this anniversary uncritically — wrapped in flags and the mythology of manifest destiny — is to be bamboozled. — Otis Moss Iii, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026 With the Barcelona defence bamboozled, Cole and Yorke traded passes and the former converted. — Stuart James, New York Times, 23 June 2026 Frank concluded that many Kansans had been bamboozled by populist anti-elitism. — U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026 Way back in 2018, Gaines and Riley were running split-back formations and leaving opposing defenses bamboozled while playing for the 12-and-under Moreno Valley Falcons in the heart of Southern California. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 27 Mar. 2026 Lenders are more easily bamboozled by fake spreadsheets than by fake factories. — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 11 Nov. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bamboozled

Verb

In the past couple of years, deepfakes have already tricked large firms like Arup into wiring $25 million to scammers.

— Allyson Kapin, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
In September 2025, a judge dismissed the lawsuit, noting that consumers could still enjoy the treats even if they felt tricked by the wrappers.

— Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of tricked

Verb

She is baffled by the way her friends Moe and Fumina rail against their parents, especially when Yuko is always holding back at home, forever walking on eggshells.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 2026
Al Roker was baffled to come face to face with his doppelgänger on the Today show plaza.

— Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of baffled

Verb

We’re meant to learn from our mistakes and not get fooled a second time.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 23 Aug. 2026
The uncomfortable implication is that the most dangerous credibility failures are not the ones where we are obviously fooled by something implausible.

— Big Think, Big Think, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of fooled

Verb

Cirque Dreams, which also offers several other touring shows, used to be regularly confused with Cirque du Soleil strictly because of the similarity of their names.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026
Earlier, on direct examination, Heilbrun said it may be confused with psychosis.

— Melina Khan, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of confused

Verb

Now some say the operation has left them feeling deceived and questioning whether the White House considered their safety.

— Scott Nover, Washington Post, 15 Aug. 2026
White House pool reporters deceived Advertisement McDonald pushed back on the idea that Air Force One and the people still aboard it, including journalists, were left exposed.

— Philip Wang, Time, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of deceived

Verb

Just ask Australian break dancer Rachael Gunn, whose performance at the 2024 Olympics puzzled viewers the world over.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 25 Aug. 2026
Three bears were taken, and, in keeping with the southern tradition of bear hunting, Roosevelt’s hosts were a bit puzzled by the president’s disappointment.

— Paul Schullery, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of puzzled

Verb

That’s a common sentiment from a touring superstar, but there’s a sense that Kahan really might be as happily bewildered as the rest of us about how songs this personal and cloudy came to captivate even sunny California.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
Republicans use metaphor to turn unpopular policies into perky catchphrases, leaving Democrats bewildered.

— Richard Yanowitch, Mercury News, 29 July 2026

Definition of bewildered

Browse Nearby Words

bamboozle

bamboozled

bamboozlement

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“Bamboozled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bamboozled. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of bamboozled

verb

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