FUDDLE Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

fuddle

verb

ˈfə-dᵊl

Definition of fuddle

as in to confuse

to throw into a state of mental uncertainty the hotel staff is completely fuddled by the guest's bizarre requests

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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 fuddle In colliding with a new type of animal, a chemical that might once have served to fuddle the wits of pests has been transformed into a glittering lure. — Gareth Cook, Scientific American, 24 June 2020

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fuddle

Verb

Enjoy the encouragement, but do not confuse applause with commitment.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 25 Sep. 2026
If an employee wants clarity, it shouldn’t automatically be confused with hand-holding.

— Jeff LeBlanc, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of confuse

Verb

Her home isn’t in the highway’s path, but she was still baffled by council’s decision.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2026
Their admirable determination makes Diamantis’ flight from the United States baffling for us and humiliating for them.

— Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of baffle

Verb

Latif is conflicted by his double life, bewildered by his doubling of parental responsibilities, constantly trying to think two moves ahead yet always ending up three steps behind.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026
Dan emerges as Primetime’s unlikely heart, bewildered by the dark world he’s wandered into and left to negotiate his ambitions with the high stakes of the job.

— David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of bewilder

Verb

California‘s seven Supreme Court justices appeared by turns perplexed by and incredulous of those theories during oral arguments last month.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
They were perplexed at first, flummoxed, but pleasant, and unfortunately for them, already long gone from the airport.

— Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of perplex

Verb

While there were reasons for this morning's move higher, this afternoon's bond selloff is puzzling.

— Diana Olick, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026
These early proponents of quantum biology sought explanations for the puzzling properties of life at the classical scale in the counterintuitive laws of physics at the quantum scale.

— Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of puzzle

Verb

Touching on different tones is a great way to keep viewers discombobulated and primed for a scare.

— William Earl, Variety, 27 July 2026
While the car transmits every ripple in the road, its trick Multimatic dampers round off imperfections beautifully, so the chassis never feels discombobulated.

— Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 22 July 2026

Definition of discombobulate

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fuddle

fuddled

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“Fuddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fuddle. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of fuddle

verb

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