1
as in jumble
a state in which everything is out of order
things at the newly built school were all in a muddle on opening day
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in daze
a state of mental confusion
I was in such a muddle after the accident that I didn't know where I was
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3
as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty
the new, supposedly improved forms simply put taxpayers in a bigger muddle
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4
as in variety
an unorganized collection or mixture of various things
a muddle of old magazines piled on the shelves
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1
as in to confuse
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
a car shopper thoroughly muddled by too much well-meaning advice
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2
as in to disrupt
to undo the proper order or arrangement of
some mischievous brat had muddled the household accounts
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of muddle
Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 20 June 2025
The risk that the muddle in both Washington and Sarajevo will cost jobs in Gorazde has left the town’s mayor, Mr. Imamovic, aghast.
—Andrew Higgins, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 12 Oct. 2025
So, Horn’s opportunity for activation seems muddled at best — justified or not.
—Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for muddle
Noun
On the menu: Reconciliation bill still sinking with voters; New York mayoral muddle; DNC’s chair agonistes; Crowded field could save Cassidy; Don’t sweat it
Today is West Virginia Day, the holiday celebrating the 35th state’s admission to the union on June 20, 1863.
—Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 20 June 2025
The risk that the muddle in both Washington and Sarajevo will cost jobs in Gorazde has left the town’s mayor, Mr. Imamovic, aghast.
—Andrew Higgins, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Verb
Their five-game NLDS will muddle their pitching somewhat, but the Brewers had the lowest staff ERA in the National League because of the strength of their full staff.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 12 Oct. 2025
So, Horn’s opportunity for activation seems muddled at best — justified or not.
—Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for muddle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for muddle
Noun
-
Ray’s most chaotic photograms—jumbles that push out of the frame or look like time bombs ready to explode—find echoes in his films, projected on the back walls, a show in themselves.—
Vince Aletti,
New Yorker,
3 Oct. 2025
-
In jumbles of old stones that, to me, are barely legible as the remains of buildings, Cocon López could see the entire timeline of old Aké and how later people interacted with and repurposed what came before.—
Lizzie Wade,
Smithsonian Magazine,
23 May 2025
Noun
-
My stay in the Brazilian town began in a giddy daze.—
David Amsden,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
-
And of course, in the midst of my daze, my phone began buzzing incessantly.—
Karine Jean-Pierre,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Toys are supposed to be fun and exciting for children, while some are also educational, but a few products aimed at kids have caused a wave of confusion among adults.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Clarity awaits amid confusion, Libra.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Although timber remains the primary long-term commercial value, growing improved varieties for both nuts and timber is considered potentially highly profitable, provided there is a long-term perspective and proper tree management.—
Randy Moll,
Arkansas Online,
11 Nov. 2025
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For lunch and dinner, Coconut Creek offers a variety of cuisines to choose from, including Papamigos' Asian-Mexican tacos and sushi, fresh seafood at The Fish Joint, and the Italian flavors of Sette Mezzo.—
Skye Sherman,
Southern Living,
10 Nov. 2025
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
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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
-
The shutdown has disrupted federal operations, delayed pay for hundreds of thousands of workers, and put critical programs at risk.—
Deputy News Editor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Senate Majority Leader John Thune quickly endorsed the deal and called the immediate vote to begin the process of approving it as the shutdown continued to disrupt flights nationwide, threaten food assistance for millions of Americans and leave federal workers without pay.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Second shift is a real mess after a blackout strikes the area, forcing Robert (by way of the player) to hack into the city’s electric grid and turn the lights back on one section at a time.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
7 Nov. 2025
-
For larger messes, the stain-resistant rug is also machine-washable for quick and hassle-free maintenance.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The Great Smoky Mountains are synonymous with waterfalls, verdant valleys, and old-growth forests that produce the range’s signature blue-gray haze.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Outside, the aroma of turmeric, cardamom, and garam masala mingles with the sweet haze of incense drifting down the street and masking the underworld accused of hiding just around the corner.—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
27 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Muddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/muddle. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
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