BEFUDDLE Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

befuddle

verb

bi-ˈfə-dᵊl

Definition of befuddle

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

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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 But behind closed doors, grievances are simmering over programming, budgets, and dueling marketing campaigns that befuddled the American public. — Philip Wang, Time, 29 June 2026 The 1,000-person guest list was impressive, expansive and, occasionally, befuddling. — Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 4 July 2026 And, of course, onstage in his act, in which the 47-year-old comedian from Old Hickory, Tennessee, adopts the persona of a middle-aged everyschlub befuddled by modern life and expectations of basic competence. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2026 This befuddling trend, among others, was discovered through digital hall passes piloted at the school in partnership with Raptor Technologies’ Smart Pass system, a technology that’s grown increasingly popular at area schools, said Carr. — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for befuddle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for befuddle

Verb

For three years straight, he’s kept up a pace that bewilders the industry’s leading comics.

— Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 17 June 2026
The narrator and his wife find that their attachment to the charismatic and cryptic Chibi grows with the cat’s increasing visits, in a way that bewilders them but somehow bonds them closer together.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2026

Definition of bewilder

Verb

And Wednesday’s doubleheader — thanks to a Monday rainout that perplexed Counsell — certainly didn’t help the pitching staff.

— Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026
Sometimes those editing swings make sense, like incorporating more social-media posts and group chats, but other times the stylistic choices simply perplex.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 25 June 2026

Definition of perplex

Verb

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
Keith played conservative social climber Margo Leadbetter, who is baffled by her neighbor Tom's sustainability-centric lifestyle with wife Barbara Good (Felicity Kendal).

— Edward Segarra, USA Today, 29 June 2026

Definition of baffle

Verb

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
When Hilary Streever relayed the agents' message to David, he was puzzled.

— Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 1 July 2026