as in perplexing
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in baffling
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for befuddling
Adjective
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His insight and unconventional approach to understanding human behavior lead him and the team on a series of intense, unexpected journeys to solve illogical puzzles and perplexing mysteries.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
9 May 2025 -
For economists, America’s organ shortage is a perplexing public health problem.—
Steven Levitt,
Boston Herald,
6 May 2025
Verb
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Researchers are particularly focused on unraveling the puzzling interplay between gas content, magma pressure and lava flow dynamics.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
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Almost two years into his ordeal, Gould learned of an initiative at the National Institutes of Health that focuses on solving the country’s most puzzling medical cases.—
Jason Liebowitz,
The Atlantic,
2 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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For the Congolese government, the ineffective Western responses follow a dismaying pattern.—
Michela Wrong,
Foreign Affairs,
3 Mar. 2025
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Americans, and a dismaying number of politicians, keep crying for a crackdown on crimes that aren’t happening.—
F.K. Plous,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Some of them are earnestly engaged in helping parents navigate a bewildering time of life.—
Hillary Kelly,
The Atlantic,
5 May 2025
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Ireland is not our enemy, even if our president abuses it with his bewildering animus to free nations.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Twin Day, a common theme, could be upsetting for kids who don’t have a friend willing to match outfits with them.—
Julie Beck,
The Atlantic,
8 May 2025
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Half of the forward line could be replaced without upsetting things too much.—
James Nalton,
Forbes.com,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Given the incomprehensible thought of an empty beach on the island of Hawaii (and nationwide), surely the movie's effect on viewers was impactful.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
16 May 2025
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Honestly, whoever designed this mind-numbing, incomprehensible plan should be banished to an island where they will hopefully be devoured by wildlife.—
Inga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 May 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Befuddling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befuddling. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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