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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 Here, hot weather is the confounding variable leading to both outcomes. Erica Sloan, SELF, 23 Sep. 2025 In all, the data suggests that acetaminophen was not causing an uptick in autism diagnoses; rather, there were other confounding factors behind the link. Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2025 And a truly confounding TV experience. Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 22 Sep. 2025 The hosts’ silence on the matter during the next day’s episode only confounded fans more. Zack Sharf, Variety, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for confound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confound
Verb
  • Crotz was initially confused as to why Kjartan had closed himself inside.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • CarShield has received positive comments for its breadth of coverage and quick response times, although some policyholders have complained about claim denials, fine-print surprises and confusing sales practices.
    Brian Sloan, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The minor student created memes and posted them on the Instagram account to embarrass and make fun of the students.
    Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 1 Oct. 2025
  • That behavior is embarrassing anywhere, and goes against all of golf etiquette.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • These findings refuted longstanding preconceived beliefs about humans and animals.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The appellate court's decision refuted multiple issues with Avery's arguments.
    Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Tutu Atwell’s role is perplexing Every fan base has some trademark bits.
    Nate Atkins, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Taylor is accustomed to playing forceful characters who have perplexing emotions about motherhood, and in A Thousand and One, Taylor earned her stripes as a performer and acclaim.
    Essence, Essence, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Knox was convicted and served four years of a 26-year sentence in an Italian prison before the verdict was overturned.
    Andrew McGowan, Variety, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Alito’s invocation of stare decisis is similarly peculiar, especially after authoring the opinion that overturned Roe.
    Samantha Riedel, Them., 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The designs were puckish and gender-bending, evoking both awe and repulsion—the sort of clothing that titillates lovers of conceptual fashion and bewilders the uninitiated.
    Ana Karina Zatarain, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Cody Meissner, a pediatric professor at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine who has served on ACIP in the past—arguably the most qualified of Kennedy's new lineup—was bewildered at why the committee was rehashing the issue addressed years ago.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Khan and his lawyers have contended that Netanyahu and his allies are exploiting a vulnerable woman in order to discredit the case against the Israeli leaders.
    David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Felt, in classic Hoover fashion, then leaked information to discredit Gray, hoping to replace him.
    Douglas M. Charles, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But the rhetoric has baffled Democrats, who see ER payments as effective and noncontroversial and are unwilling to disavow it.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Fans in the surrounding section can be heard in shock, baffled that the man gave away such a coveted possession.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Confound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confound. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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