muddle

[muhd-l]

verb (used with object)

muddled, muddling 

1. to mix up in a confused or bungling manner; jumble.

   Synonyms: disorder, disarray, chaos, haze, fog, daze, mess up, bungle, botch, confuse, disorganization

2. to cause to become mentally confused.

3. to cause to become confused or stupid with or as if with an intoxicating drink.

4. to make muddy or turbid, as water.

5. 1. to mix, crush, or mash (an ingredient) into a drink, especially with a muddler.

   2. to mix or stir (a cocktail, chocolate, etc.).

6. Ceramics.,  to smooth (clay) by rubbing it on glass.

verb (used without object)

muddled, muddling 

1. to behave, proceed, or think in a confused or aimless fashion or with an air of improvisation.

   Some people just muddle along, waiting for their big break.

noun

1. the state or condition of being muddled, especially a confused mental state.

2. a confused, disordered, or embarrassing condition; mess.

   Antonyms: order

verb phrase

1. muddle through,  to achieve a certain degree of success but without much skill, polish, experience, or direction.

   None of us knew much about staging a variety show, so we just had to muddle through.

muddle

/ ˈmʌdəl /

verb

1. (often foll by up) to mix up (objects, items, etc); jumble

2. to confuse

3. to make (water) muddy or turbulent

4. to mix or stir (alcoholic drinks, etc)

noun

1. a state of physical or mental confusion

Other Word Forms

• muddledness noun
• muddlement noun
• muddlingly adverb
• premuddle noun
• muddling adjective
• muddled adjective
• muddly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of muddle¹

First recorded in 1540–50; mud + -le; cognate with Middle Dutch moddelen “to muddy”

Word History and Origins

Origin of muddle¹

C16: perhaps from Middle Dutch moddelen to make muddy

Example Sentences

Just two weeks before a pivotal meeting, the Federal Reserve said the U.S. economy has been just muddling along as of late.

Read more on MarketWatch

But Intel’s experience also illustrates that companies can muddle through a period of overspending.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Big picture: The economy might perk up in 2026 as trade wars fade and new tax breaks kick in, but the U.S. is likely to muddle through to the new year.

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It has also left Slot's thinking looking muddled.

Read more on BBC

However, earnings have been telling a more muddled story.

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Related Words

• befuddle 
• clutter 
• complicate 
• derange 
• discombobulate 
• disturb 
• fluster 
• perturb