Muddle

/ˈmʌdl̩/ · verb

Meaning

To mix together, to mix up; to confuse..

Definitions by Sense

1. To mix together, to mix up; to confuse.
2. To mash slightly for use in a cocktail.
3. To dabble in mud.
4. To make turbid or muddy.
5. To think and act in a confused, aimless way.
6. To cloud or stupefy; to render stupid with liquor; to intoxicate partially.
7. To waste or misuse, as one does who is stupid or intoxicated.
8. A mixture; a confusion; a garble.

Example Sentences

Young children tend to muddle their words.

I will not , to please hostile critics , muddle the argument by making it one of recondite learning , in which neither I nor my readers are strong . I try to lay before the reader reasons from which he can judge for himself

He muddled the mint sprigs in the bottom of the glass.

c. 1721-1722, Jonathan Swift, The Progress of Marriage Young ducklings foster'd by a hen; But, when let out, they run and muddle

He did ill to Muddle the Water.

Their old master Epicurus seems to have had his brains so muddled and confounded with them, that he scarce ever kept in the right way.

[…] I vvas for five Years often drunk, alvvays muddled, they carry'd me from Tavern to Tavern, to Alehouſes and Brandy Shops, and brought me acquainted vvith ſuch ſtrange Dogs!

They muddle it [money] away without method or object, and without having anything to show for it.

Synonyms for muddle

Antonyms for muddle

Related Words

Word Forms

• muddles
• muddling
• muddled

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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