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

For months, Republicans have suspected that the second Dan Sullivan’s Senate bid was designed to confuse voters as part of a broader scheme allegedly plotted by the Democratic Party to boost Peltola’s chances.

— Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 2 Nov. 2026
The possibility of intelligent life elsewhere in the universe should not be confused with evidence that extraterrestrial beings have visited Earth, Kirkpatrick said.

— Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of confuse

Verb

To me, Neil Simon’s comedy is a masterclass in the architecture of laughter, and I’ve long been baffled that this extraordinary play hasn’t received a major revival in recent years.

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2026
The latest weakening of criteria is baffling if not unsurprising given the agency’s pitifully weak, unserious leadership.

— Diana Urban, Hartford Courant, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of baffle

Verb

Many Eagles players were concerned and bewildered by the development.

— Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of bewilder

Verb

At Telluride, Fielder, who had initially planned to stay behind the scenes, admitted he was still perplexed by the couple’s openness.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 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

Over a career spanning five decades, von Rydingsvard transformed humble four-by-four chunks of wood into towering shapes whose puzzling bumps and hollows gave them the aura of ancient living beings.

— News Desk, Artforum, 29 Oct. 2026
For a country full of passionate racing fans, the 73-year wait for an Italian champ is puzzling.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of puzzle

Verb

Hamilton reached base three times and scored in every instance during the Brewers’ 7-4 win on Monday night at American Family Field, using his speed to disrupt — and even discombobulate — the mighty Dodgers.

— Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 13 Oct. 2026
Those sorts of moments can be discombobulating, even jarring, even for the tough-minded likes of NFL players.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of discombobulate

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“Fuddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fuddle. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of fuddle

verb

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