muddled

American  

[muhd-ld] / ˈmʌd ld /

adjective

1. mixed up, confused, or disordered.

   The rejection is based on faulty underlying assumptions and muddled thinking.

2. muddy, clouded, or obscured; murky.

   After a long winter season, your pool is most likely a tub of muddled water with foliage and twigs floating about.

3. (of an ingredient) mixed, crushed, or mashed into a drink, especially with a muddler.

   The freshly muddled kiwi adds an unexpected flavor to this handmade cocktail.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of muddle.

Other Word Forms

• unmuddled adjective

Etymology

Origin of muddled

muddle ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Still, even a muddled reading could be the last thing investors were waiting on before kick-starting a Santa Claus rally into the end of the year.

From The Wall Street Journal

Fuller demonstrates a strong command over his visual domain but the pat allegory he presents about the monsters with whom we have to learn to live feels a bit muddled.

From Los Angeles Times

It has also left Slot's thinking looking muddled.

From BBC

However, earnings have been telling a more muddled story.

From MarketWatch

This train of thought may sound childish, but bear in mind that Penelope had muddled through without her parents for many a year.

From Literature

Related Words

• blurred
• chaotic
• convoluted
• disorganized
• jumbled
• messy