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
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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
David Nield, WIRED, 20 Jan. 2025
Among those muddles: Who exactly are Sylvie’s parents?
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 11 July 2024
Jack Dunn, Variety, 12 Feb. 2025
Tweaking/changing systems may show adaptability, but also muddled thinking.
—Mark Carey, The Athletic, 9 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for muddle
Noun
In this case, there's a bit of a muddle of old and new tools.
—David Nield, WIRED, 20 Jan. 2025
Among those muddles: Who exactly are Sylvie’s parents?
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 11 July 2024
Verb
But it gets muddled with what is clear to be set up for the future of the MCU.
—Jack Dunn, Variety, 12 Feb. 2025
Tweaking/changing systems may show adaptability, but also muddled thinking.
—Mark Carey, The Athletic, 9 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for muddle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for muddle
Noun
-
Minimize noise and clutter Dr. Small says environmental triggers like loud sounds and jumbles of papers and clothing can increase sundowning symptoms.—
Cathy Habas,
SELF,
17 Jan. 2025
-
Owners’ names now read like jumbles of computer code, retirement homes or rock bands: Silver Sage, Dream Homes, Blue Apple, P Fin VII, Wref II, 3xs2, Vivid, Straight Red Lines, TKJK, Jags Proper.—
Eric Adler,
Kansas City Star,
24 June 2024
Noun
-
The new sweeping guidance, which the Trump administration indicated applies to nearly every aspect of educational life, prompted widespread panic and confusion among administrators at K-12 schools and colleges.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA TODAY,
20 Feb. 2025
-
Given the confusion surrounding EOs, her remarks provide critical insight into their legal standing and potential impact on TCUs.—
Marybeth Gasman,
Forbes,
20 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Similar to the sneakers listed above, these running shoes have soft, plush cushioning for supreme comfort and support, plus a unique outsole with impressive traction and grip for a variety of terrains.—
Clara McMahon,
People.com,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Called Pokémon Champions, this game focuses entirely on battling Pokémon, with a variety of mechanics from like Mega Evolution and Dynamax available.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Not to be confused with New Zealand musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
-
Along those lines, a settlement should not be confused with a collective bargaining agreement, which pro teams and unionized employees extinguish or mollify a broader range of potential claims.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Then, in 2020, Covid restrictions disrupted her income flow and offended her sense of individual rights.—
Meridith Kohut,
New York Times,
21 Feb. 2025
-
The pair meet after the guy picks up a prescription for an extremely gnarly black eye, setting off a whirlwind romance that’s inevitably disrupted by — what else? — a grumpy parent.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Mark Critchley has a full explainer on the financial mess.—
Chris Branch,
The Athletic,
26 Feb. 2025
-
The fund did lower its payout after the 2022 mess, leaving itself room to buy bargains.—
Brett Owens,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Delta passengers were forced to evacuated via slides at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Monday after haze or smoke was observed in the plane, according to the airline and the Federal Aviation Administration.—
Clara McMichael,
ABC News,
24 Feb. 2025
-
At night, there is a bit of noise and haze as the smaller sensor has to dial up the ISO to bring in more light.—
Ben Sin,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
On Tuesday at 2:28 a.m. a dense fog advisory was issued by the NWS San Diego CA in effect until 9 a.m. for San Diego County Coastal Areas and Orange County Coastal.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacramento Bee,
25 Feb. 2025
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Because the fog sometimes turns out to be the actual transmitter of illumination—the clarity rising from within the confusions—any simple summary or attempt to distill objective lessons betrays his mind.—
Adam Gopnik,
The New Yorker,
24 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Muddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/muddle. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
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