1
as in confusing
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
my mind had been thoroughly muddied by the long hours of exacting work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in obfuscating
to make (something) unclear to the understanding
that argument is irrelevant and will just muddy the issue we're trying to resolve
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in staining
to make dirty
forgot to take off our shoes and accidentally muddied the kitchen floor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of muddying
Injuries are muddying the market for players such as Coby White, who has played fewer than half of the games this season because of recurring calf injuries.
—
Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
But seen another way, this release is also optimally confusing, muddying the waters with as-yet-unverified information that’s being disseminated via individual screenshots on social media, making the whole thing easier to dismiss.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 23 Dec. 2025
This will prevent muddying the pieces if any color bleeding occurs while washing.
—Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2025
The goal is to allow the whales to hunt more easily, without a cacophony of boat motors muddying their echolocation.
—Kelso Harper, Scientific American, 16 Dec. 2025
When asked about the more recent changes in the color grading industry, Doyle says an entirely new market is muddying the waters.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 12 Nov. 2025
Beijing would be relieved that the United States is no longer muddying and in fact strengthening its nonsupport for independence.
—Stephen Wertheim, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2025
Further damning revelations are about to land, no doubt further muddying the waters.
—Christina Dugan Ramirez , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025
But now some of the world’s most prominent hotel brands are muddying the waters.
—Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for muddying
Verb
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Canales-Pelaez said that local departments may be confusing administrative warrants with criminal ones, or overcomplying to avoid backlash from the state Legislature.—
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Among the factors hindering higher youth participation, CIRCLE research shows, include confusing registration deadlines and requirements, a lack of youth outreach and a dearth of regular curriculum that teaches young people about elections and voting in school.—
Verb
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The state says the foundation did this because Aerial Recovery, the nonprofit, had been obfuscating its name.—
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Some data types can be encrypted randomly, obfuscating enough of the data to stymie hackers—such as using only the last four digits of your credit to confirm your purchase identity.—
Verb
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Holevich adds that cleaning these surfaces promptly will help prevent long-term staining and lingering odors.—
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Foods like tomato sauce and chocolate can cause staining if they aren't wiped up right away.—
Verb
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The pilot of a private jet reportedly made an eerie discovery while flying thousands of feet over Rhode Island, marking the latest in unexplained encounters baffling both experts and civilians alike.—
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From financial wipeouts to baffling misreads of beloved source material, some of Hollywood’s most notorious flops began as video games.—
Verb
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The almost imperceptible pigment is an immediate boost of pore- and fine line-blurring prowess.—
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Among other things, conservatives accused the consultancy of operating as a multibillion-dollar dark money ATM for left-wing causes, allowing foreign money to flow into American politics, and blurring the lines between charitable work and political advocacy.—
Verb
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Keep them in reserve as a sleep sock to ward off icy toes and prevent sweat and skin oils from dirtying your down sleeping bag.—
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Amazon shoppers are also going after this top-selling nonstick frying pan that’s great for eggs, chicken breasts, and other hard-to-flip foods, as well as this immersion blender that can churn soups and sauces into a creamy texture without dirtying another vessel.—
Verb
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Some people say puzzling offers more than simple entertainment.—
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But the decision to leave Robertson at home is a puzzling one that has enraged both Stars fans and hockey fans across the country.—
Verb
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This weekend’s seismic upheaval in member nation Venezuela is the latest in a series of geopolitical pressure points spanning from Russia to Yemen that are also clouding the outlook.—
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Covers resting directly on tabletops can trap moisture against the surface, causing water rings or finish clouding.—
Cite this Entry
“Muddying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/muddying. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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