fuddle

verb

ˈfə-dᵊl How to pronounce fuddle (audio)
Definition of fuddlenext
as in to confuse
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty the hotel staff is completely fuddled by the guest's bizarre requests

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 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
  1. confuse
  2. baffle
  3. bewilder
  4. perplex
  5. puzzle
  6. muddle
  7. discombobulate
Verb
  • The Blazers say a handshake agreement with Mayor Keith Wilson, the city and the county was made in March, and are confused why there has been a shift.
    — Jason Quick, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • The figure who experiences every prompt to begin the process as a threat rather than a relief has confused the cause with the self.
    — Michael Sonnenfeldt, Fortune, 19 July 2026
Definition of confuse
Verb
  • While Loathe’s baffling compositional choices may jump out first, the album’s most glaring flaw is its production.
    — Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 16 July 2026
  • Meanwhile, McGrew agreed to adjustments, including adding baffles to reduce sound from a attached generator for the tower and replacing tower fencing that incorporated barbed wire with taller, more natural looking fencing.
    — Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
Definition of baffle
Verb
  • As fans of the comedian know, Ali G is a streetwise interviewer whose hip hop slang often bewilders guests such as Noam Chomsky, Andy Rooney and Newt Gingrich.
    — Brent Lang, Variety, 7 July 2026
  • But these casting decisions are bewildering, to say the least, and will certainly cost the film ticket sales and potential revenue.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of bewilder
Verb
  • Workers at Doherty Staffing Solutions were perplexed when strangers started calling the office in response to recruitment texts — texts the firm never sent.
    — Bill Lukitsch, Boston Herald, 13 July 2026
  • The Wiener Kitchen diners weren’t the only Kansas Citians perplexed by this description.
    — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026
Definition of perplex
Verb
  • Plus, the powerful cosmic titans get really puzzling when astronomers using the JWST spot them before the universe was even 1 billion years old.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 19 July 2026
  • The uncertainty over Man on Fire is somewhat puzzling given its performance.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 17 July 2026
Definition of puzzle
Verb
  • From a technical standpoint, the cage helps isolate the drum sound and prevent it from blending with other instruments, which could muddle the music.
    — Heather Bushman, Oklahoman, 7 July 2026
  • Because the devices are relatively new, hospitals do not always categorize the exact type of vehicle involved in a crash, and details such as speed are self-reported, meaning the data can be muddled.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 22 June 2026
Definition of muddle
Verb
  • Thing to tell a friend or colleague today For the collectible sticker community, Brazil vs Morocco was a particularly discombobulating experience.
    — Duncan Alexander, New York Times, 14 June 2026
  • Richard Dreyfuss stars as an Indiana electric lineman/dad who gets discombobulated after a light from a passing UFO compels him to do weirdo things — like build a mountain replica inside of his home.
    — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 8 June 2026
Definition of discombobulate

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Cite this Entry

“Fuddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fuddle. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on fuddle

Nglish: Translation of fuddle for Spanish Speakers

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