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 Hardly ten more minutes had passed before Dembélé scored again—this time, cutting inside and stuttering his dribble and then, having befuddled the defense, rolling the ball right past it into an open corner of the goal. — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 27 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for befuddle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for befuddle

Verb

That’s a common sentiment from a touring superstar, but there’s a sense that Kahan really might be as happily bewildered as the rest of us about how songs this personal and cloudy came to captivate even sunny California.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
The threats are constantly evolving, layering upon themselves with bewildering speed.

— Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of bewilder

Verb

The scene never fails to baffle the senses as the path rises up about a thousand feet from the valley floor.

— Kalpana Mohan, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026
She is baffled by the way her friends Moe and Fumina rail against their parents, especially when Yuko is always holding back at home, forever walking on eggshells.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of baffle

Verb

However, the largest drop in June occurred among prime-age workers, leaving several economists puzzled and surprised.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Whether El Niño will continue to strengthen is something Cole and her colleagues’ records can’t answer, but scientists are using climate models to try to puzzle that out.

— Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 27 Aug. 2026