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
Cameron Lindsay, a former federal prison warden, was befuddled that Massey was locked in a first-floor cell of the facility, saying that his past warranted far more attention from corrections staff.
—
Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 29 May 2025
Although you might be temporarily befuddled and overwhelmed, nothing will get in your way.
—Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 27 May 2025
Comments Jeffrey Dean Morgan was baffled, bewildered, and befuddled.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 23 May 2025
Even in Denver’s first-round win over the LA Clippers, when the Clippers befuddled Jokić in the first half of the series, Jokić eventually figured out what the Clippers wanted to do and found counters to it.
—Tony Jones, New York Times, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for befuddle
Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 29 May 2025
Although you might be temporarily befuddled and overwhelmed, nothing will get in your way.
—Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 27 May 2025
Comments Jeffrey Dean Morgan was baffled, bewildered, and befuddled.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 23 May 2025
Even in Denver’s first-round win over the LA Clippers, when the Clippers befuddled Jokić in the first half of the series, Jokić eventually figured out what the Clippers wanted to do and found counters to it.
—Tony Jones, New York Times, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for befuddle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for befuddle
Verb
-
Lynskey says she’s been bewildered by the fans who’ve directed online vitriol at Shauna this season, while seemingly forgiving the sins of Shauna’s husband Jeff (Warren Cole) and the heinous crimes committed by Misty (Christina Ricci).—
Todd Longwell,
Variety,
2 June 2025
-
Both were bewildered by this fashion design travesty.—
Sherry Kuehl,
Kansas City Star,
13 May 2025
Verb
-
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
-
That wasn't enough to heal Carol's injury, however, leaving her owner perplexed about how to help the pup.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 June 2025
Verb
-
Map their journey to spot every gap, make buying effortless with fewer steps, communicate clearly so no one gets confused, add personal touches that create connection, and follow up fast to turn buyers into advocates.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
-
Letters: Washington, D.C., has a deficit of humanity Do not confuse my warning to Israel for a shred of understanding for what Hamas did on Oct. 7, 2023.—
Thomas L. Friedman,
Mercury News,
14 June 2025
Verb
-
When Burrell wasn’t tapped to join the show’s 28th season in January — after playing a central role in the first 27 — viewers were appalled and even Burrell was baffled.—
Joseph Wilkinson,
New York Daily News,
18 June 2025
-
Many bat species live for 20 to 40 years, in the wild or in captivity, baffling scientists.—
Jenny Lehmann,
Discover Magazine,
17 June 2025
Verb
-
But when their daughter Abby was born months later, the couple were both shocked and puzzled.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 June 2025
-
And a slightly surreal, fantastical closing scene is puzzling and pretentious rather than provocative.—
Stephen Farber,
HollywoodReporter,
16 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Befuddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befuddle. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share