muddled; muddling
ˈməd-liŋ 
ˈmə-dᵊl-iŋ
2
: to befog or stupefy (see stupefy sense 1) especially with liquor
The drink muddled him and his voice became loud and domineering.
3
: to mix confusedly
muddles the household accounts
4
: to make a mess of : bungle
… muddled themselves into the most indefensible positions.—
A. N. Whitehead
A. N. Whitehead
: to think or act in a confused aimless way
She muddled along for a year before going to college.
1
: a state of especially mental confusion
2
: a confused mess
mud·dler
ˈməd(ᵊ)lə(r)
plural -s
1
: one that muddles
specifically
: a utensil usually shaped like a pestle for crushing and mixing (as the flavoring agents of a mixed drink)
Examples of muddle in a Sentence
Verb
a car shopper thoroughly muddled by too much well-meaning advice
some mischievous brat had muddled the household accounts
Noun (1)
His papers were in a muddle.
His mind was a muddle.
Recent Examples on the Web
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 10 June 2026
These variables muddle the value for a 30-year-old linebacker whose contract expires after the season.
—Alec Lewis, New York Times, 9 June 2026
Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2026
On top of everything else, the film is a muddle of languages — French, German and English — depending on who speaks to whom.
—Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for muddle
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Verb
Mixing too many competing scents in the same area also muddles the experience, and strong essential oils like peppermint or cinnamon can quickly overload a space.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 10 June 2026
These variables muddle the value for a 30-year-old linebacker whose contract expires after the season.
—Alec Lewis, New York Times, 9 June 2026
Noun
Nonpartisan voter guides from outlets such as CalMatters and KPBS depict the race as offering sharp policy contrasts rather than an indistinct muddle.
—Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2026
On top of everything else, the film is a muddle of languages — French, German and English — depending on who speaks to whom.
—Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for muddle
Cite this Entry
“Muddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muddle. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
muddle
2 of 2 noun1
: a state of confusion or bewilderment
2
: a confused mess : jumble
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