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as in to conflate
to fail to differentiate (a thing) from something similar or related I think you've confounded astrology with astronomy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb confound differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of confound are bewilder, distract, dumbfound, nonplus, perplex, and puzzle. While all these words mean "to baffle and disturb mentally," confound implies temporary mental paralysis caused by astonishment or profound abasement.

the tragic news confounded us all

When might bewilder be a better fit than confound?

In some situations, the words bewilder and confound are roughly equivalent. However, bewilder stresses a confusion of mind that hampers clear and decisive thinking.

a bewildering number of possibilities

Where would distract be a reasonable alternative to confound?

While the synonyms distract and confound are close in meaning, distract implies agitation or uncertainty induced by conflicting preoccupations or interests.

distracted by personal problems

When can dumbfound be used instead of confound?

The words dumbfound and confound are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dumbfound suggests intense but momentary confounding; often the idea of astonishment is so stressed that it becomes a near synonym of astound.

was at first too dumbfounded to reply

When could nonplus be used to replace confound?

The synonyms nonplus and confound are sometimes interchangeable, but nonplus implies a bafflement that makes orderly planning or deciding impossible.

the remark left us utterly nonplussed

In what contexts can perplex take the place of confound?

The meanings of perplex and confound largely overlap; however, perplex adds a suggestion of worry and uncertainty especially about making a necessary decision.

a behavior that perplexed her friends

When would puzzle be a good substitute for confound?

The words puzzle and confound can be used in similar contexts, but puzzle implies existence of a problem difficult to solve.

the persistent fever puzzled the doctor

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 confound Despite a handful of missteps, the NBC show is engrossing, and confounding and off to a promising start. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 23 Feb. 2025 This included a confounding and-one call by the referees, in which White was granted continuation on a layup while being fouled despite fully losing — then regaining — possession of the ball. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2025 On Sunday night, West’s clothing brand Yeezy bought Super Bowl ad time in local markets, and a confounding, short spot for the brand aired toward the big game’s conclusion. Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Feb. 2025 Hayley’s death was caused by a fentanyl overdose, which makes the chief of security and her former colleague at Elle-Même Cosmetics, Mr. Thorwald, sad and utterly confounds her grieving-yet-a-tiny-bit-suspicious boyfriend, Charles. Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for confound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confound
Verb
  • Boat-Friendly Boca Grande To live in Boca Grande (not to be confused with Boca Raton, the resort on Florida’s east coast) is to be on the water.
    Mary Forgione, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • When some confused the artist organization’s acronym, RCAF, with the Royal Canadian Air Force, the name was humorously changed to the Royal Chicano Air Force.
    Joe Rubin, Sacramento Bee, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Get okay with the idea that in the future, your past work will embarrass you.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The Vance memes seem to contain an admission as well: that even some conservatives do not see him as essential to the current MAGA movement. Consider the fact that Democrats have long tried to embarrass Trump with memes and images of him as an infant, a Cheeto, and other forms.
    Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • If the opening set introduced any doubts, though, the rest of the show refuted them.
    Abby Webster, Billboard, 14 Mar. 2025
  • However, according to The Washington Post, current and former USAID officials refuted Musk’s claims.
    Jennifer Lotito, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • On the flip side, some have found peoples' infatuation with the ferocious-looking predator perplexing.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Many fans of the show are perplexed by this particular star with his cutthroat singing chops.
    Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • More revenge could come: ANALYSIS Despite his claims, legal experts told ABC News that Trump does not have the power to overturn Biden's actions.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 17 Mar. 2025
  • In December, Willis was disqualified from prosecuting the case against Trump and 18 other co-defendants, accusing them of engaging in a conspiracy to overturn Joe Biden's victory in Georgia in 2020.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The cat, named Ameera, looked bewildered by her family early start to the day.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Jackie lets the ladies know that Phaedra may not be rejoining the group, and while Toya seems a bit bewildered, Simone remains indifferent—further solidifying the mean girl energy that Phaedra called out.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • President Trump on Tuesday escalated his campaign to discredit judges who get in his way, calling on Congress to impeach the judge at the center of a legal fight over the deportation of hundreds of immigrants to El Salvador.
    Brian Bennett, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025
  • More often than not these spins have one end goal: to dismiss or discredit someone or something.
    Lucy Dolan-Zalaznick, Vogue, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The dead man left a nickel, three pennies and a mystery that baffles Miami Beach police.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Buried 500-Year-Old Gold Coins Hidden by Monk 'in Danger' Discovered By Rachael O'Connor Life and Trends Reporter Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 0 A father was baffled when his son arrived home with a silver dollar coin, and took to the internet for help.
    William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Confound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confound. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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