confused

1 of 2

adjective

con·​fused kən-ˈfyüzd 

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 

-ˈfyüzd-

adverb

confusedness

kən-ˈfyü-zəd-nəs 

-ˈfyüz(d)-

noun

confused

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of confuse

Synonyms of confused

Adjective

• messy
• chaotic
• jumbled
• littered
• sloppy
• cluttered
• messed
• muddled

Examples of confused in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

Looking confused, the Parrots deserved an Academy Award for their acting skills, because on their third play, quarterback King Exusdus took the snap from shotgun formation and sprinted 82 yards for a touchdown. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026

When Lee mentions Nathan Spence was meant to attend the program, Jed barely flinches, expressing sympathy for the boy’s confused and grieving mother. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026

Some people may also feel feverish, sick to their stomach, confused or barely able to urinate. — News Editor, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026

Things are running smoothly at Mecklenburg County’s polls, except for those voters who are confused about where to vote or whether they are registered, according to Board of Elections spokesperson Kristin Mavromatis. — Charlotte Observer, 3 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English — more at confuse

First Known Use

Adjective

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

Rhymes for confused

• disabused
• overused
• underused
• unexcused
• abused
• accused
• amused
• bemused
• contused
• defused
• diffused
• disused

Medical Definition

confused

adjective

con·​fused kən-ˈfyüzd 

: affected with mental confusion