confused

adjective

con·​fused kən-ˈfyüzd How to pronounce confused (audio)
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 trailHarry Hervey
3
: being disordered or mixed up
a contradictory and often confused story
confusedly adverb
confusedness noun

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
While some people feel like their vote won't make a difference, many others are simply exhausted—and in some cases alienated or confused—by our political environment. David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 That left a lot of Swifties sad, confused and wandering around, trying to find the bracelet sent from New Orleans. Arika Herron, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024 No matter how convinced someone might be that what’s inside each box is completely harmless, the mystery and misdirection of it all keep them confused and slightly scared. Drew Gerber, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Unfortunately, the movie is a fiasco from the start, confused, disorganized, and often nonsensical; this one just appears to have gotten away from Ponsoldt. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near confused

Cite this Entry

“Confused.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/confused. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

confused

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

More from Merriam-Webster on confused

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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