muddle

[ˈmʌdl]

muddle Definition

• 1. to mix up in a confused or bungling manner
• 2. to make something unclear or confusing
• 3. a state of confusion or disorder

Using muddle: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "muddle" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I muddled the dates and missed the appointment.

• Example

  The instructions were muddled and hard to follow.

• Example

  The politician's speech only muddled the issue further.

• Example

  The kitchen was in a muddle after the party.

muddle Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for muddle

• confuse
• jumble
• disarrange
• mishandle
• botch

Antonyms for muddle

• clarify
• organize
• tidy

Phrases with muddle

• muddle through

  to manage to do something despite a lack of clarity or organization

  Example

  We didn't have a plan, but we managed to muddle through and get the job done.

• in a muddle

  confused or disorganized

  Example

  The office was in a muddle after the move to the new building.

• make a muddle of

  to do something badly or incorrectly, resulting in confusion or disorder

  Example

  He made a muddle of the presentation and left everyone confused.

Origins of muddle

from Middle Dutch 'moddelen', meaning 'to make muddy'

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Summary: muddle in Brief

The verb 'muddle' [ˈmʌdl] means to mix up in a confused or bungling manner, or to make something unclear or confusing. It can also refer to a state of confusion or disorder, as in 'The kitchen was in a muddle after the party.' 'Muddle' extends into phrases like 'muddle through,' which means to manage despite a lack of clarity or organization, and 'make a muddle of,' which means to do something badly or incorrectly.