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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty
the new, supposedly improved forms simply put taxpayers in a bigger muddle
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in variety
an unorganized collection or mixture of various things
a muddle of old magazines piled on the shelves
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to confuse
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 to disrupt
to undo the proper order or arrangement of
some mischievous brat had muddled the household accounts
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 muddle
Ars Technica, 29 Feb. 2024
This strategic muddle is the focus of discussion in regional capitals, as well as in Moscow and Beijing.
—Brett McGurk, Foreign Affairs, 22 Jan. 2020
Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2025
Murphy’s recent shows at his legacy home base, FX, have been muddled and baroque, but on ABC, he’s got the goods, as evidenced by the premiere episode of his new show set on a luxury cruise ship.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for muddle
Noun
Microsoft is stepping in to try to straighten up this muddle of conceptually similar, executionally different technologies with a new API called DirectSR (the SR is for Super Resolution).
—Ars Technica, 29 Feb. 2024
This strategic muddle is the focus of discussion in regional capitals, as well as in Moscow and Beijing.
—Brett McGurk, Foreign Affairs, 22 Jan. 2020
Verb
Simply muddle fresh mint into your glass, or garnish with a few sprigs for a simple but impactful finishing touch.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2025
Murphy’s recent shows at his legacy home base, FX, have been muddled and baroque, but on ABC, he’s got the goods, as evidenced by the premiere episode of his new show set on a luxury cruise ship.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for muddle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for muddle
Noun
-
Instead, voters themselves are jumbles of competing and sometimes contradictory interests.—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
14 Feb. 2025
-
Baker also leads the orchestra, which sounds grand — although the sound in the arts center’s Pugh Theater often left musicians, lead singers and chorus all at the same level, with actors speaking over all of it at the same time to create a sonic jumble.—
Matthew J. Palm,
Orlando Sentinel,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
However, since the start of 2025, there has been confusion among many in college mental health about how to comply with the intentions of the federal government.—
Eric Wood,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
-
The bill would directly conflict with federal law, opening the door for homeowners to face confusion regarding what is permitted.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Inspired by traditional rituals of Korean life—from the bathhouse to tea ceremonies—there’s options for a variety of settings.—
Lauren Arzbaecher,
Architectural Digest,
28 Apr. 2025
-
With the results of this simulation capability, farmers would be able to predict which specific plant varieties will perform best in their fields and quickly determine the best solutions when faced with challenges such as extreme weather.—
Matt Alderton,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Rob Lowe was recently confused for another celebrity during a Hollywood bus tour.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
18 Apr. 2025
-
Hippler said in the new order bringing more attention to it in opening statements and through expert testimony would add more time to the already lengthy trial and probably confuse the jury.—
Jean Casarez,
CNN Money,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
When someone has it, their immune system goes into overdrive, producing more antibodies (or immunoglobulins, hence the name) than necessary that disrupt typical organ function.—
David Oliver,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Case in point: Heightened uncertainty about the outlook for the economy has disrupted plans for big-name IPOs like fintech firm Klarna and ticketing platform StubHub over the past month.—
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
And, just as quickly, they were derided for their tendency to disintegrate into a mushy mess.—
Hiroko Tabuchi,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Mona Sunset and Natural Runner Runners are great for hallways and kitchens where messes are inevitable.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
When a massive storm knocked out power and sent the world outside into a flickering haze of uncertainty — no streetlights, no signal, no safety net — James was there.—
Nina E. Cerfolio,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Duhamel walks us through Staten's rash actions, still driven by being lost in a haze of grief, including a punch that will have serious repercussions for Staten going forward.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The Morning Fog Effect: Coastal Chilean Wine Perhaps the most visible manifestation of the Humboldt's influence is the morning fog.—
Jill Barth,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
-
On Thursday at 11:09 p.m. a dense fog advisory was issued by the NWS San Diego CA valid for Friday between 2 a.m. and 9 a.m. for Orange County Coastal.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
11 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Muddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/muddle. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share