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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Dan emerges as Primetime’s unlikely heart, bewildered by the dark world he’s wandered into and left to negotiate his ambitions with the high stakes of the job.

— David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of bewilder

Verb

The Polo Room Not to be confused with Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bar, the Polo Room takes its name from the actual sport—international polo star Nacho Figueras is a co-owner, and his Argentine heritage runs throughout the restaurant.

— Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
There’s no complicated touchscreen to confuse older family members or young kids, either.

— Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of confuse

Verb

The play-by-play announcer on ESPN did not explain Perez’s removal nor address it the rest of the game, and fans following along on Reddit were baffled.

— Emily Ohman, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Her unconventional breakdancing moves during her final performance against Lithuania’s Dominika Banevič (B-Girl Nicka) baffled audiences at home and cemented her as a meme royalty.

— Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of baffle

Verb

Hollows haven’t been found elsewhere on planets in our solar system, and with no wind or water to form the thousands of puzzling depressions, scientists want to know what forces sculpted them.

— Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
Authorities were puzzled but eventually determined a leading cause.

— Betsy Joles, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026