muddled

[ muhd-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.

verb

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

Other Words From

• un·mud·dled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of muddled¹

muddle ( def ) + -ed ²( def )

Example Sentences

Are the Rams better than the team that muddled through an ugly Monday night loss to Miami?

From Los Angeles Times

Scott argued that McConnell’s leadership in that Congress, when a raft of bipartisan legislation was passed, muddled Republicans’ campaign messaging.

From Slate

Perhaps he could have muddled through the broadcast—and the rest of the election—if he’d only made minor miscues of that type.

From Slate

I had recently muddled through a marathon seven-year divorce that left me shattered and devastated, and my family, friends and children knew that I would never date again — and without a doubt, I’d never get married.

From Los Angeles Times

The case against Williams had become so muddled that the victim’s family favored commuting his death sentence and allowing him to serve life without the possibility of parole.

From Slate

Related Words

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