BEFUDDLE Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

befuddle

verb

bi-ˈfə-dᵊl

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 Shares are erasing some of those two-day losses on Monday, but our overarching point about the befuddling post-earnings market reaction holds true. —

Zev Fima, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2026 Desire Doue let the ball run through his legs, befuddling his marker to such a degree that the only sensible reaction was laughter. —

Jack Lang, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026 The left-hander from California struck out nine Michigan State Spartans in Sunday's 4-0 victory at UFCU Disch-Falk Field, befuddling his overmatched victims with an electric breaking ball. —

David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 23 Feb. 2026 Many applicants have received identical messages lately, befuddling students as well as lab heads who may be used to hearing about rejections but not a string of applications simply returned without review. —

Jonathan Wosen, STAT, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for befuddle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for befuddle

Verb

Netizens were bewildered by the latest pivot, resulting in plenty of mockery on social media.

— Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 16 Apr. 2026
But even more than engaging the big ideas that Emma’s revelation triggers — pun somewhat intended — Lee and Borli wanted to craft an experience that would mimic its main characters’ bewildering interiority.

— Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 6 Apr. 2026