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

Angry at the lack of direction, angry at muddled decision-making, angry at the on-pitch struggles, it seems few in Rome want owners the Friedkins to stay - no matter the money spent.

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

These sentiments were further muddled by what I feel has been a prevailing cultural attitude toward 9/11 and other devastating events as the years unfurl.

From Salon

But the rest of the story has muddled motivations and stakes.

From Los Angeles Times

Feigenbaum, “Blink Twice” is a big, bold swing, even if its message becomes muddled along the way.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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