muddle
14 synonyms and 3 antonyms for muddle, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To mix things up in a confusing way, or to think in a confused, unclear manner.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
How to use muddle
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
muddle through
in a muddle
muddle the mint
Etymology
From Middle Dutch moddelen ("to make muddy"), related to the word mud.
Full origin of muddle →Frequently asked questions
What does “muddle” mean?
The word “muddle” means to mix things up in a confusing way, or to think in a confused, unclear manner. In plain terms, to confuse things (or thoughts) together — or, in cooking, to crush ingredients for a drink.
How do you pronounce “muddle”?
“Muddle” is pronounced MUHDL (/ˈmʌd(ə)l/ in IPA).
How do you use “muddle” in a sentence?
Here is “muddle” used in a sentence: “He muddled the dates and showed up a day early.”
What part of speech is “muddle”?
Depending on how it is used, “muddle” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “muddle” come from?
The word “muddle” comes from Dutch. From Middle Dutch moddelen ("to make muddy"), related to the word mud.
How many meanings does “muddle” have?
“Muddle” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to mix things up in a confusing way, or to think in a confused, unclear manner.
