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

But as the ensemble cast around them began to take shape, each name left me more confused about what the film‘s vision could possibly be. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 16 Oct. 2026

The Cubs also presented evidence that some consumers were confused about whether Wrigley View Rooftop was affiliated with the team. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Oct. 2026

In a recent interview, the girl told our reporters that she was confused when the officer detained her. — Kristian Hernández, San Antonio Express-News, 15 Oct. 2026

Some Colorado State University students say they were left confused and frightened Monday evening after a police shooting on campus. — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 14 Oct. 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