befuddled 1 of 2

Definition of befuddlednext

befuddled

2 of 2

verb

past tense of befuddle

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 befuddled
Adjective
The Tea Party sprang out of the grass roots and roared at befuddled Congressional representatives in town halls across the country. Literary Hub, 23 Mar. 2026 And a great character beat as Clark looks on in befuddled admiration. Andy Andersen, Vulture, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
Berube was befuddled by the way his team started the third, a problem that lies at the feet of the players as well as the coach. Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2025 And the offensive operation looked much smoother, as Payton meshed the Colts to death and befuddled their defense on a second-quarter touchdown in which tight end Adam Trautman split out wide. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for befuddled
Recent Examples of Synonyms for befuddled
Adjective
  • Kelli cries over how solid the Mwangi unit is, praising Gerald as a father and husband and affirming that Shamea’s ass is real, while everyone else looks on, bewildered.
    Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 8 June 2026
  • Karl-Anthony Towns, who was on the podium with him, took off his glasses and looked at his teammate with a bewildered expression.
    Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 22 May 2026
Verb
  • This new dating trend is leaving people baffled and heartbroken.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 9 June 2026
  • But he was baffled as to why people are now incensed over pickleball courts.
    Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • This led to a surreal sight at 5-0 in the fourth set, with Safiullin flat on his back receiving treatment for a hip injury while a dazed Ruud tried to revive himself with an ice towel.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 27 May 2026
  • Moments later, dazed residents staggered out as others rushed in to help.
    Rania Abouzeid, New Yorker, 21 May 2026
Verb
  • The Braves swapped out catchers Thursday, a move that puzzled some fans because there wasn’t a clear explanation.
    Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 5 June 2026
  • Although new pieces of evidence continue to surface daily, none have provided any credible leads, leaving investigators and the public puzzled.
    Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • After analyzing everything from Substack posts to my group chats, my hottest take is that everyone is simply confused.
    Irene Richardson, InStyle, 6 June 2026
  • The man didn’t appear to make contact with any of the players during his few seconds on court, with replays showing Wembanyama smiling and looking confused.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • Democrats have been particularly perplexed given the state's top-two primary system, which places all candidates on a single ballot regardless of party.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 May 2026
  • As a longtime rider I, too, am perplexed by regular displays of poor customer service by CTA employees.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • Before long, security surrounded the former fan favorite and dragged him out of the arena in handcuffs as stunned fans watched.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2026
  • In 2019, when Cattelan unveiled the work at the Art Basel Miami art fair in Florida, performance artist David Datuna grabbed the banana from the wall, before peeling and eating it in front of hundreds of stunned fair attendees.
    Jack Guy, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • If someone feels rushed, awkward, distracted or overly analyzed, their answers often become guarded and surface-level.
    King Holder, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2026
  • Out of those, 46 of the crashes involving distracted driving were fatal.
    Finch Walker, USA Today, 3 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Befuddled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befuddled. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

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