confused

adjective

con·​fused kən-ˈfyüzd How to pronounce confused (audio)
Synonyms of confused
1
a
: being perplexed or disconcerted
the confused students
b
: disoriented with regard to one's sense of time, place, or identity
The patient became confused.
2
: indistinguishable
… a zigzag, crisscross, confused trail …—Harry Hervey
3
: being disordered or mixed up
a contradictory and often confused story
confusedly
kən-ˈfyü-zəd-lē How to pronounce confused (audio)
-ˈfyüzd-
adverb
confusedness
kən-ˈfyü-zəd-nəs How to pronounce confused (audio)
-ˈfyüz(d)-
noun

Synonyms of confused

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Examples of confused in a Sentence

I've never been so confused. We're confused about what to do next. He gave a confused speech denying the accusations.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Keke Palmer was confused about why she wasn't asked to emcee the event. — Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 29 June 2026 Avoiding tough topics or glossing over challenges can leave kids confused or anxious. — Sherri Gordon, Parents, 26 June 2026 The comments section featured a mixture of grieving, confused fans. — Jenna Thompson july 3, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026 People with heat stroke can feel confused, unable to speak properly and agitated. — Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for confused

Word History

Etymology

Middle English — more at confuse

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of confused was in the 14th century

Rhymes for confused

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Browse Nearby Words

confuse
confused
confused flour beetle
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Cite this Entry

“Confused.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/confused. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

confused

adjective
con·​fused kən-ˈfyüzd How to pronounce confused (audio)
: affected with mental confusion

More from Merriam-Webster on confused

Nglish: Translation of confused for Spanish Speakers

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