Muddier

The comparative form of 'muddy,' describing something that is more covered or saturated with mud; or figuratively, referring to situations, ideas, or concepts that are more unclear, confusing, or morally questionable. The term suggests a degree of impurity, lack of clarity, or obscurity exceeding a previous state or comparison. It can apply to physical substances like soil or water, or more abstract concepts like relationships or arguments, where clarity is diminished by the presence of extraneous and often unwelcome elements. The word evokes an image of being soiled, grimy, or obscured, either literally or metaphorically.

Muddier meaning with examples

• The trail, already muddy from yesterday's rain, became even muddier after the downpour overnight, making hiking difficult. We slipped and slid with every step, and the wheels of our bikes spun uselessly in the gloopy substance, creating a frustrating situation, delaying our journey and making us consider an earlier return.
• Her explanation only made the situation muddier; adding more details just confused everyone. The core issue was lost amidst a tangle of insignificant information. Trying to understand the root of the problem felt as though we were wading through a swamp with the bottomless complexities of each piece of the whole.
• After the scandal broke, the media's investigation made the waters muddier, revealing more questionable actions. Public perception shifted. The company found itself struggling to regain the trust of its customer base after the damaging revelations. The crisis showed a lack of commitment to its customers.
• The river downstream, affected by the recent erosion, was distinctly muddier than the section upstream. Fish and other river creatures, that are the food chain's basis, found it harder to survive as they moved with the murky stream; making hunting difficult and the future look uncertain.
• Their relationship became muddier after the arrival of an unwanted third party, introducing ambiguity and doubt. The boundaries blurred, and the emotions became tangled, making communication strained and the future uncertain. The shared history could not resolve this issue. The connection seemed doomed.