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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
  • The Dodgers are on Spectrum SportsNet LA, which is not to be confused with Spectrum SportsNet, which carries the Lakers.
    Chad Jennings, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Lesson 2: Don't confuse the end user with the paying customer.
    Mark Francis, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • But the medical-looking royal blue bottles of nicotine lozenges embarrassed her.
    Will Yakowicz, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Many of them had to fail, repeat, embarrass themselves, risk everything, and learn.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In an interview with CNN, Goldberg refuted that claim.
    Nik Popli, TIME, 25 Mar. 2025
  • The journalist and filmmaker, who is descended from a family that was decimated in the Holocaust, has categorically refuted these accusations.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 24 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • For a former player who was known as a cutthroat defender, he was perplexed by his players’ disappointing effort.
    Felipe Cardenas, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
  • However, she too was perplexed about the role of the pro-prefect.
    Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Missouri banned almost all abortions in 2022, when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe.
    Summer Ballentine, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Iran’s Supreme Court later overturned Yasin’s death sentence on appeal, and his sentence was eventually set at five years.
    Madalena Araujo, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • That’s all bewildering plot-wise, but Morrison also bewilders readers through language.
    The New Yorker, The New Yorker, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Ukrainians are bewildered, wondering how the U.S. went so quickly from isolating the Kremlin to appearing to embrace it.
    Eleanor Beardsley, NPR, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Influencers and consumers alike took to platforms such as TikTok and Instagram to discredit the brand and show their support for competitors such as Olipop.
    John Hall, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Roberts had been a judge for only about two years when he was nominated for the Supreme Court, so his judicial record was quite thin, and some Democrats and their allies hoped to point to his work as a lawyer to discredit him.
    Ian Millhiser, Vox, 29 Mar. 2025
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

Cite this Entry

“Confound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confound. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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