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Definitions

muddle

[muhd-l] / ˈmʌd l /
NOUN
confused state
Synonyms
STRONG
ataxia awkwardness botch chaos clutter complexity complication confusion daze difficulty dilemma disarrangement disarray disorder disorganization emergency encumbrance fog foul-up hash haze intricacy involvement jumble mess mix up muss perplexity plight predicament quandary shambles snarl struggle tangle trouble
WEAK
mess and a half rat's nest screwup
Antonyms
STRONG
advantage arrangement blessing calm clarity clearness contentment ease good fortune harmony method neatness order orderliness organization peace simplicity solution system tidiness understanding
WEAK
enlightenment
VERB
confuse, disorganize
Synonyms
STRONGEST
befuddle clutter complicate derange discombobulate disturb fluster perturb
STRONG
addle bewilder blunder botch bungle confound daze disarrange disorder disorient entangle foul jumble mess mix muck mumble murmur nonplus perplex rattle ravel ruffle scramble shuffle snafu snarl spoil stumble stupefy tangle throw tumble
WEAK
foul up louse up make a mess of misarrange mix up psych out stir up throw off
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calm comfort explain order soothe
STRONG
arrange clarify clear up do well enlighten fix help organize speak clearly succeed uncomplicate untangle untwist
WEAK
educate explicate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Another muddle concerns his expectations of economic gains from artificial intelligence.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2026

For China’s economy to muddle along, Chu says, the U.S. economy needs to do well and keep buying Chinese goods, even if they are no longer coming via Vietnam or Malaysia.

From Barron's • Dec. 27, 2025

But some officials suggest that Europe should instead prepare for the war to muddle on.

From BBC • Dec. 14, 2025

Lululemon recently came under criticism from analysts for its partnership with the NFL, on concerns that it would further muddle the waters for a company better known for its yoga pants than for football merchandise.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 11, 2025

He was trying to alter them so that they would shut more firmly, and, as the interlacement of such braces was complicated, be had got himself in a muddle.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White

Vocabulary lists containing muddle

In a Pickle: Words for When You're in Trouble

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Bridge to Terabithia

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!