as in to bewilder
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
most of the applicants were befuddled by the wording of one of the questions on the driving test
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Recent Examples of befuddle
During a period of apocalyptic turmoil, Marty (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a teacher, and his ex-wife, Felicia (Karen Gillan), a nurse, are befuddled by the proliferation of numerous billboards, advertisements and TV ads thanking Charles Krantz — Chuck — for 39 great years.
—
Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 6 June 2025
While that record was enabled by the spectacle of some befuddling late escapes, it also was achieved despite pivotal offensive injuries and, well, personnel miscalculations.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 23 May 2025
Cameron Lindsay, a former federal prison warden, was befuddled that Massey was locked in a first-floor cell of the facility, saying that his past warranted far more attention from corrections staff.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 29 May 2025
Although you might be temporarily befuddled and overwhelmed, nothing will get in your way.
—Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for befuddle
Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 6 June 2025
While that record was enabled by the spectacle of some befuddling late escapes, it also was achieved despite pivotal offensive injuries and, well, personnel miscalculations.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 23 May 2025
Cameron Lindsay, a former federal prison warden, was befuddled that Massey was locked in a first-floor cell of the facility, saying that his past warranted far more attention from corrections staff.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 29 May 2025
Although you might be temporarily befuddled and overwhelmed, nothing will get in your way.
—Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for befuddle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for befuddle
Verb
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Lynskey says she’s been bewildered by the fans who’ve directed online vitriol at Shauna this season, while seemingly forgiving the sins of Shauna’s husband Jeff (Warren Cole) and the heinous crimes committed by Misty (Christina Ricci).—
Todd Longwell,
Variety,
2 June 2025
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Both were bewildered by this fashion design travesty.—
Sherry Kuehl,
Kansas City Star,
13 May 2025
Verb
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Through the years, dozens of actresses have portrayed Superman's love interest and confidante Lois Lane, an award-winning reporter both perplexed and entranced by the man also (secretly) known as Clark Kent.—
Grace Gavilanes,
People.com,
11 July 2025
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The aftermath What perplexes her, Nicole Fech said, is that Anderson went out of her way to call the camp a year and a half after the family left the church.—
Alexandra Kukulka,
Chicago Tribune,
9 July 2025
Verb
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Amazon $650 Samsung $650 Best Buy Not to be confused with the Galaxy S24 series, this midrange smartphone from late 2024 has some elements of the flagship phone, but makes some sacrifices to get the price down.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
11 July 2025
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The decision was met by swift condemnation and a legal challenge from San Francisco International Airport officials and its legal team which argued the new name would confuse travelers and was a copyright infringement.—
Sierra Lopez,
Mercury News,
10 July 2025
Verb
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Money terms and concepts continue to baffle people, many of whom are seeking answers through online searches.—
Russ Wiles,
USA Today,
12 July 2025
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Even with the other guys' admonitions not to, under any circumstances, be themselves, Dee and Charlie's improbable success in charming these scions of the Philly upper crust had the guys — and us — both baffled and anxiously awaiting an ugly twist.—
Dennis Perkins,
EW.com,
10 July 2025
Verb
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The first set was particularly puzzling, with de Minaur breaking Djokovic’s serve three times to take a one-set lead in the match.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
7 July 2025
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Dutch Freiberger told The Republic at the time that he was puzzled by how his son could have walked to the quarry completely nude.—
Jose R. Gonzalez,
AZCentral.com,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Befuddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befuddle. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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