as in to bewilder
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
most of the applicants were befuddled by the wording of one of the questions on the driving test
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 befuddle
The sudden shake-up of GMA hosts has befuddled fans.
—
Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
The stock comeback of the last two months has perplexed many investors, who remain befuddled by the market's insistence to look past conflict, tariffs and major challenges to the economic outlook, to make short work of recovering losses from their April lows.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 20 June 2025
Nearly a decade later, the Yankees are left puzzled or befuddled by the cold spell which coincides with Giancarlo Stanton’s first two games after injuries to tendons in both elbows cost him the first 70 games.
—Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
The mix of the slow-motion roll of the ball with the studs of his right boot to befuddle poor Axel Disasi and the thunderous power of the left-foot finish past the head of Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was pure poetry.
—The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for befuddle
Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
The stock comeback of the last two months has perplexed many investors, who remain befuddled by the market's insistence to look past conflict, tariffs and major challenges to the economic outlook, to make short work of recovering losses from their April lows.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 20 June 2025
Nearly a decade later, the Yankees are left puzzled or befuddled by the cold spell which coincides with Giancarlo Stanton’s first two games after injuries to tendons in both elbows cost him the first 70 games.
—Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
The mix of the slow-motion roll of the ball with the studs of his right boot to befuddle poor Axel Disasi and the thunderous power of the left-foot finish past the head of Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was pure poetry.
—The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for befuddle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for befuddle
Verb
-
Will people be bewildered as to the difference between speaking of the two-word AI versus any of these three-word variations? Likely.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
-
We are bewildered with taking action regarding energy and climate change, even though suggestions and answers have been available for over 50 years.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
24 July 2025
Verb
-
Having witnessed Axel's affection firsthand, Ollie's staff members are perplexed that the pup hasn't found his forever home, despite searching for an adopter for over a year.—
Kelli Bender,
People.com,
15 Aug. 2025
-
The revelation perplexed Wall Street traders, who had expected bullion to be exempt from duties.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The rest of the members’ faces were left blank and confused at the mention of barking.—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
-
The president issued new guidelines for tariffs, extended some tariffs for a few months, and is confusing everyone, including consumers.—
Paul Bedard,
The Washington Examiner,
2 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Knight was left off the two-night, 11-match SummerSlam card entirely, a decision that baffled and angered his supporters.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Aug. 2025
-
She’s equally baffled by the widespread use of artificial intelligence.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
4 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
An unusual house on the real estate market in Newport, Tennessee, is causing a bit of a stir thanks to its puzzling interior and community pool-like exterior.—
TJ Macias,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Aug. 2025
-
But self-improvement need not be the goal of puzzling, or of any hobby, for that matter.—
Sophia Stewart,
The Atlantic,
1 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Befuddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befuddle. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share