Muddied

The past tense and past participle of the verb 'muddy', meaning to make something unclear or confused, especially by adding irrelevant information or making something dirty with mud. It can refer to physical substances, but also to concepts, ideas, or emotions, making them less distinct or difficult to understand. It suggests a lack of clarity, often due to the presence of impurities or complexities that obscure the original state.

Muddied meaning with examples

• The storm completely muddied the river, turning the crystal-clear water into a churning brown torrent, making it impossible to see the fish swimming below the surface. This caused all kinds of wildlife difficulties. The once pristine ecosystem was affected.
• The politician's vague answers to the reporter's questions only muddied the waters further, leaving the public even more confused about his stance on the controversial issue and this caused concern. The press was also looking for an explanation.
• Her grief muddied her judgment, causing her to make rash decisions she later regretted. The sorrow clouded her reasoning, leading to a tumultuous period. Friends and family found it hard to support her in her state.
• The historian’s introduction of numerous irrelevant details and tangential arguments significantly muddied the central point of his analysis, creating a confusing and disjointed narrative. The reader had to reread multiple times.