befuddle

verb

be·​fud·​dle bi-ˈfə-dᵊl How to pronounce befuddle (audio)
bē-
befuddled; befuddling; befuddles
Synonyms of befuddle

transitive verb

1
: to muddle or stupefy with or as if with drink
… befuddled with drink all the time.—Ellen Glasgow
2
: confuse, perplex
a problem that still befuddles the experts
befuddlement
bi-ˈfə-dᵊl-mənt How to pronounce befuddle (audio)
bē-
noun

Synonyms of befuddle

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Examples of befuddle in a Sentence

most of the applicants were befuddled by the wording of one of the questions on the driving test
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Vincent Carchietta / Imagn Images via Reuters Connect NEW YORK — Tuesday night made the New York Yankees’ decision not to add at least one high-leverage reliever at the trade deadline look questionable at best, and befuddling at worst. — Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Abbas Kiarostami did that in Taste of Cherry, which befuddled certain audiences but then also won the Palme d’Or in 1997. — Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026 The invisible present befuddles each generation in every age. — Literary Hub, 15 July 2026 The 1,000-person guest list was impressive, expansive and, occasionally, befuddling. — Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for befuddle

Word History

Etymology

be- + fuddle

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of befuddle was in 1801

Rhymes for befuddle

See All Rhymes for befuddle

Browse Nearby Words

befrogged
befuddle
befuddled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Befuddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/befuddle. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

befuddle

verb
be·​fud·​dle bi-ˈfəd-ᵊl How to pronounce befuddle (audio)
befuddled; befuddling
-ˈfəd-liŋ, 
-ᵊl-iŋ
1
: to dull the senses of with or as if with too much drink : stupefy
2
: confuse sense 1a, perplex
befuddlement
-mənt How to pronounce befuddle (audio)
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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