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 Of course, this is just a simple way to look at a complex problem that befuddles property owners, insurance companies and policymakers alike. — Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 21 June 2026 That prevents your privacy and befuddles trackers that bundle your location and demographic data along with your online activities to sell your profile to advertisers and brokers. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 10 June 2026 Needless to say, the Pinnacles' beauty has continued to both befuddle and astonish visitors today. — Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 2 June 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 See All Example Sentences for befuddle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for befuddle

Verb

Republicans use metaphor to turn unpopular policies into perky catchphrases, leaving Democrats bewildered.

— Richard Yanowitch, Mercury News, 29 July 2026
In Texas, Spain bewildered France, neutralising what has looked like the most formidable attack in the tournament.

— Sukhman Singh, New York Times, 18 July 2026

Definition of bewilder

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 perplex

Verb

The Studio Behind The Technology Annapurna Studios (not to be confused with the Megan Ellison-founded Annapurna Pictures in Hollywood) has been a cornerstone of Indian cinema for half a century.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
But there is the risk that his strategy will backfire by confusing investors.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of confuse

Verb

The fire chief, Gene Perreault, who was there during the walk-through, tells me the piles puzzled investigators.

— Zander Sherman, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026
It's become a world of quick and easy solutions for life's puzzling issues; seemingly solving them in 45 seconds or using household remedies.

— John Shumway, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026