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as in to conflate
to fail to differentiate (a thing) from something similar or related I think you've confounded astrology with astronomy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb confound differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of confound are bewilder, distract, dumbfound, nonplus, perplex, and puzzle. While all these words mean "to baffle and disturb mentally," confound implies temporary mental paralysis caused by astonishment or profound abasement.

the tragic news confounded us all

When might bewilder be a better fit than confound?

In some situations, the words bewilder and confound are roughly equivalent. However, bewilder stresses a confusion of mind that hampers clear and decisive thinking.

a bewildering number of possibilities

Where would distract be a reasonable alternative to confound?

While the synonyms distract and confound are close in meaning, distract implies agitation or uncertainty induced by conflicting preoccupations or interests.

distracted by personal problems

When can dumbfound be used instead of confound?

The words dumbfound and confound are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dumbfound suggests intense but momentary confounding; often the idea of astonishment is so stressed that it becomes a near synonym of astound.

was at first too dumbfounded to reply

When could nonplus be used to replace confound?

The synonyms nonplus and confound are sometimes interchangeable, but nonplus implies a bafflement that makes orderly planning or deciding impossible.

the remark left us utterly nonplussed

In what contexts can perplex take the place of confound?

The meanings of perplex and confound largely overlap; however, perplex adds a suggestion of worry and uncertainty especially about making a necessary decision.

a behavior that perplexed her friends

When would puzzle be a good substitute for confound?

The words puzzle and confound can be used in similar contexts, but puzzle implies existence of a problem difficult to solve.

the persistent fever puzzled the doctor

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 confound All of that has been wrapped around impressive wins over the Vikings, Commanders and Bills that have only served to make these Falcons’ struggles more confounding. Josh Kendall, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025 The researchers identified nine confounding factors in the study, like parental demographics, socioeconomic status, cognitive development and peer influence. Greta Cross, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025 And that risk was calculated after controlling for a range of confounding factors that are known to influence health, like bullying or lack of parental involvement. NPR, 29 Oct. 2025 Watching Janelle Monáe terrorize and confound Jennifer Hudson on daytime TV. Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for confound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confound
Verb
  • The Farmers’ Almanac will be gone for good after its final 2026 edition, not to be confused with The Old Farmer's Almanac, a separate publication.
    Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Blue Origin also launches New Shepard from Texas The New Glenn spacecraft is not to be confused with Blue Origin's much smaller New Shepard rocket that the company launches from West Texas on brief trips taking paying passengers high above Earth's atmosphere.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Kardashian doesn’t embarrass herself, because her role doesn’t ask much of her to begin with.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Still, the former University of Miami standout did not want to be dealt, even publicly stating that just hours after the Dolphins’ embarrassing 28-6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Spotify also refuted that the program only helps major label artists, contending that the feature is popular among both major and independent acts.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Rosen refuted Palomares’ claim, saying the tugboat captain was reckless and should have been on the lookout for recreational boaters who frequent those waters.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Coaches and talent evaluators, both inside the Raiders’ facility and around the league, have been perplexed by the lack of creativity and production.
    Michael Silver, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
  • But as the fearsome storm unfolded, perplexing science questions emerged, said Joshua Wadler, an associate scientist at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach who was aboard the flights on Kermit with Hazelton.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 2 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The vehicle overturned and McClure was ejected from it.
    Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The justices are also deciding whether to overturn restrictions on coordinated spending between parties and candidates, whether to curtail protections against racial discrimination in voting, and when candidates can contest an Illinois election law similar to Mississippi’s.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The canine, clearly confused, stared up, visibly bewildered and waiting patiently for the affection to finally land.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Nandi is experiencing severe insomnia, tremors and psychosis, and her quickly deteriorating condition bewilders the emergency room staff.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Angels counsel has attempted to discredit these former employees, portraying them as bitter because of their dismissals from the club.
    Sam Blum, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Some of these posts that claim to show theft as a result of no SNAP have been discredited, while others questioned for their authenticity.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • As if dark energy weren't already mysterious and baffling enough, new research suggests that this unknown force may not be driving galaxies apart at an accelerating rate anymore.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Played for comic relief, he is baffled by this son of his who attends college and, more perplexing yet, is suddenly obsessed with Italy and cycling.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Confound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confound. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.

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