addle 1 of 2

adjective

ˈa-dᵊl How to pronounce addle (audio)
Definition of addlenext
as in dazed
suffering from mental confusion my brain grew more and more addle as I made my way through the tax instructions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

addle

2 of 2

verb

as in to bewilder
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty after slipping on the ice, Bethany was so addled that she left her groceries where they'd fallen

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of addle
Adjective
Soon enough, the foursome are in the back of that truck in an adventure that begins as a moneymaking scheme and promises to become a heroic journey into the heart of white supremacy at its most virulent and addle-minded. — Ann Hornaday, Twin Cities, 25 July 2019
Verb
Famously formerly addled but now sober and with new management, Adams played a five-show East Coast solo run, including at New York’s Carnegie Hall. — Matt Wake | Mwake@al.com, al, 30 May 2023 Two laps are enough to addle your brain and unbalance your equilibrium. — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 11 Apr. 2023 See All Example Sentences for addle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for addle
  1. dazed
  2. bewilder
  3. bewildered
  4. baffle
  5. distracted
  6. perplex
  7. confused
  8. confuse
Adjective
  • Case in point: his goal for Portugal Under-17s against Morocco in September 2023, a ludicrous solo effort that left a trail of dazed defenders scratching their heads and wondering what the hell had just happened.
    — Jack Lang, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Sea lions and dolphins have been observed rigid with seizures, acting dazed and confused.
    — Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of dazed
Verb
  • This match exposed a couple of ugly issues the tour has to address and left spectators bewildered for long stretches at a time.
    — Todd Boss, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
  • While some stars dazzle in their glamorous attire, others have stumbled into the realm of fashion faux pas, leaving audiences bewildered.
    — WWD Staff, WWD, 21 Feb. 2025
Definition of bewilder
Adjective
  • But the on-again, off-again nature of the process has resulted in a bewildered industry that has adopted a wait and see approach to investment decisions and supply chain alterations.
    — Jerrold Lundquist, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Old Trafford was where distraught, bewildered fans felt physically compelled to go to express their grief.
    — Michael Walker, The Athletic, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of bewildered
Verb
  • Most were baffled at the fact the eggs still contained actual egg.
    — Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
  • However, she’s baffled at why social media activity may have contributed to the arrest.
    — Polo Sandoval, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of baffle
Adjective
  • The Heat crowd was typical in its distracted energy.
    — Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
  • More than 3,300 Americans died in distracted driving crashes in 2022, according to federal statistics.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of distracted
Verb
  • And some Democrats are still perplexed by the fact that last November Donald Trump became the first Republican since maybe Abraham Lincoln to carry Fall River.
    — Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Some were perplexed by its location, while others were enchanted by the simplistic nature of a home from a time long gone.
    — TJ Macias, Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of perplex
Adjective
  • Sea lions and dolphins have been observed rigid with seizures, acting dazed and confused.
    — Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025
  • While older teens might appreciate its message about family and independence, younger kids will likely be more confused than entertained.
    — Annabelle Canela, Parents, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of confused
Verb
  • No one was going to confuse Colossal with the Sierra Club.
    — D. T. Max, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Let go of a common misconception Some parents worry that teaching their child multiple languages will set them back or confuse them.
    — Julia Furlan, NPR, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of confuse

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additives
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addled
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Cite this Entry

“Addle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/addle. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.

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