bamboozled

verb

Definition of bamboozlednext
past tense of bamboozle
1
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
2
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 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
  1. tricked
  2. baffled
  3. fooled
  4. confused
  5. deceived
  6. puzzled
  7. bewildered
  8. perplexed
Verb
  • Ricky Saints tricked the referee into thinking Lil Yachty used the kendo stick on him, and after traveling all the way to Riyadh, Yachty was tossed out just minutes into the match.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
  • While the war ended years before, the hostility spread from the stands — with skirmishes among supporters — into the field, when Maradona tricked the referee and the world with the World Cup’s most infamous goal, punching the ball into the net with his fist above England’s goalie Peter Shilton.
    — Gabriel Sama, Mercury News, 21 June 2026
Definition of tricked
Verb
  • Pz’ spends much of his proper debut, No Turning Back, equally baffled by his good fortune and ready to fasten it to his side with a Gucci strap before anyone else can take it.
    — Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 3 July 2026
  • His focus on the voting bill, instead of signing one that tackles a top issue for voters, has left some GOP strategists baffled.
    — David Hickey, NBC news, 2 July 2026
Definition of baffled
Verb
  • His trademark smirk and knowing stare are now feared by any opponent up against Norway, but don’t be fooled into thinking Haaland isn’t serious about his career.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • Don’t be fooled by their jaw-dropping price; the flats boast a luxe look thanks to their low profile and—of course—glove silhouette.
    — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 3 July 2026
Definition of fooled
Verb
  • Paradox Museum, Miami Prepare to spend your time at the Paradox Museum totally confused and feeling topsy-turvy — that’s the point.
    — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 14 July 2026
  • Winged ants are often confused with swarming termites, which require a different management strategy.
    — The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2026
Definition of confused
Verb
  • Andreas Schjelderup opened the scoring with a spectacular cross-shot that deceived Jordan Pickford and, although Jude Bellingham struck back for England in first-half stoppage time, Norway looked the more likely winners as the second period wore on.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 12 July 2026
  • Only after this second handover did my father realize he had been deceived.
    — Ari Maas, New York Daily News, 11 July 2026
Definition of deceived
Verb
  • First, Miguel is puzzled when Chuy and his parents, Rosalío (Fernando Cuautl) and Margarita (Leidi Gutiérrez), abruptly leave town without warning.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 July 2026
  • Stock Chart IconStock chart icon Gold not glittering As for gold, while the yellow metal has traditionally been sought out by kings and paupers throughout history alike, the anaemic gold price has puzzled experts.
    — Lim Hui Jie,Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 July 2026
Definition of puzzled
Verb
  • Former Republican state senator Jeff Brandes, who now leads the Florida Policy Project, said he was bewildered by the governor's proposal.
    — Jim DeFede, CBS News, 31 May 2026
  • Gasly seems faintly bewildered by the designation.
    — Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 27 Apr. 2026
Definition of bewildered
Verb
  • Workers at Doherty Staffing Solutions were perplexed when strangers started calling the office in response to recruitment texts — texts the firm never sent.
    — Bill Lukitsch, Boston Herald, 13 July 2026
  • The Wiener Kitchen diners weren’t the only Kansas Citians perplexed by this description.
    — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026
Definition of perplexed

Browse Nearby Words

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bamboozled
bamboozlement
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Cite this Entry

“Bamboozled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bamboozled. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bamboozled

Nglish: Translation of bamboozled for Spanish Speakers

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