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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Recent Examples of befuddle
The reasoning behind this firing will no doubt be revealed in the coming days, but for now, NBA fans are left befuddled at one of the league's top head coaches losing their job.
—
Mikai Bruce, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Those secrets created De Niro’s glorified and most memorable street hoodlums and now befuddle his current crazy-man public image.
—Armond White, National Review, 21 Mar. 2025
Tasks that once took hours can be accomplished in minutes; problems can be instantly analyzed; befuddling subjects can be made welcoming through conversation.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 29 Apr. 2025
In his wrap-up speech, Looney said he was befuddled about some concerns about the nomination.
—Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for befuddle
Mikai Bruce, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Those secrets created De Niro’s glorified and most memorable street hoodlums and now befuddle his current crazy-man public image.
—Armond White, National Review, 21 Mar. 2025
Tasks that once took hours can be accomplished in minutes; problems can be instantly analyzed; befuddling subjects can be made welcoming through conversation.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 29 Apr. 2025
In his wrap-up speech, Looney said he was befuddled about some concerns about the nomination.
—Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for befuddle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for befuddle
Verb
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Babb acknowledged that the team was bewildered at the stunning turn of events.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
30 May 2025
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They were bewildered for me, and so was all the other staff.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
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There was one final thing that left St John perplexed.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
11 May 2025
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The results achieved statistical significance in one part of the analysis but not in others, perplexing outside experts.—
Brenda Goodman,
CNN,
19 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Elections and Certifications Don’t confuse a benefit or B corporation with a B Corp.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
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The measures are set to take effect on Monday and have left many Haitians confused.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
6 June 2025
Verb
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What’s more, the double-stitched seams and baffle box design keep lumps at bay.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
28 May 2025
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The owner shared a video of the car veering left, a video that has Tesla examiner’s baffled.—
Peter Lyon,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
Verb
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Poland said he’s been puzzled by Kennedy’s statements, too.—
Brenda Goodman,
CNN Money,
5 June 2025
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The revelation sparked many more comments from people admitting they would be puzzled about how to pronounce it.—
Latoya Gayle,
People.com,
1 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Befuddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befuddle. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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