muddled 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of muddlednext
as in messy
lacking in order, neatness, and often cleanliness a muddled arrangement of trophies in the display case

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

muddled

2 of 2

verb

past tense of muddle
1
as in confused
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty a car shopper thoroughly muddled by too much well-meaning advice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in disrupted
to undo the proper order or arrangement of some mischievous brat had muddled the household accounts

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for muddled
  1. messy
  2. confused
  3. disrupted
  4. chaotic
  5. shuffled
  6. disturbed
  7. sloppy
Adjective
  • Their divorce has been messy, with both exes calling each other out via Instagram.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
  • The decision worked smoothly for the AAC in Year 1 of this new setup, but the potential for a messy schedule remains in the future.
    Matt Weyrich, Baltimore Sun, 13 Dec. 2024
Definition of messy
Verb
  • However, the Madea star said his science teacher then asked him about dissecting the animal, which confused a young Perry.
    Nicholas Rice, People.com, 8 Dec. 2024
  • Awkwardness is often confused with embarrassment, but the two are different in important ways, and so are their remedies.
    Alexandra Plakias, Discover Magazine, 29 Nov. 2024
Definition of confused
Verb
  • The war in Ukraine has disrupted the flow of grain to Africa, and Houthi attacks on commercial shipping are causing supply chain problems in Europe and across Asia and the Americas.
    Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
  • But 2023 disrupted this pattern.
    Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
Definition of disrupted
Adjective
  • Well, outside of the chaotic final seconds where, with Washington clinging to a 7-point lead, a game official’s error stopped the clock, leaving the Saints with time to spike the ball, call a play and complete a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Foster Moreau as time expired.
    Ben Standig, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
  • More recently, at a time that feels similarly tumultuous and chaotic, Colonial Williamsburg and the Jane Austen House Museum have drawn a new wave of interest by teaming up with esteemed design brands to bring archival textiles, wallpapers, and paint colors to new life.
    Cornelia Powers, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024
Definition of chaotic
Verb
  • John then shuffled through the expansion era and modern baseball ballots twice apiece, getting spurned by the voting committees.
    Benjamin Royer, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024
  • Forensic accountants testified that Marilyn was the one who gave Nick the money, who then shuffled it around to various bank accounts, before wiring it back to Marilyn.
    Mikenzie Frost, Baltimore Sun, 4 Dec. 2024
Definition of shuffled
Verb
  • While many said they were disturbed by the brutal shooting, others reacted with indifference, or in some cases schadenfreude.
    Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
  • The publication disturbed some Jewish students, according to the Post.
    Pilar Arias, Fox News, 8 Dec. 2024
Definition of disturbed
Adjective
  • Their puck play was sloppy, their penalty kill was awful and they got consistently outworked by the Canadiens.
    Matthew Fairburn, The Athletic, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Another failed sloppy takedown briefly put Covington on the ground.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
Definition of sloppy
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.

Thesaurus Entries Near muddled

muddle

muddled

muddleheaded

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Cite this Entry

“Muddled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/muddled. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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More from Merriam-Webster on muddled

Nglish: Translation of muddled for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of muddled for Arabic Speakers

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