conflicted

adjective

con·​flict·​ed kən-ˈflik-təd 

: experiencing or marked by ambivalence or a conflict especially of emotions

conflicted feelings

… these people are … conflicted in their values and beliefs.

—Norman Ornstein

Synonyms of conflicted

• unsure
• ambivalent
• afraid
• hesitant
• uncertain

Examples of conflicted in a Sentence

She was still conflicted about her ex-husband's remarriage.

I'm conflicted about the prospect of our only child going away to college.

Recent Examples on the Web

Although defined by his anti-war activism, McDonald would acknowledge conflicted feelings about Vietnam. —Hillel Italie, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026

Rooster co-creator Bill Lawrence knows a thing or two about placing a funny-but-conflicted character into the center of a strong ensemble. —Erin Qualey, Vulture, 9 Mar. 2026

Although defined by his anti-war activism, McDonald would acknowledge conflicted feelings about Vietnam. —ABC News, 8 Mar. 2026

Feelings in Bulgaria are, however, conflicted. —Colin Millar, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of conflict entry 2

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for conflicted

• addicted
• afflicted
• constricted
• convicted
• depicted
• evicted
• inflicted
• predicted
• restricted
• contradicted
• interdicted
• unrestricted

Medical Definition

conflicted

adjective

con·​flict·​ed kən-ˈflik-təd 

: having or experiencing emotional conflict

working women were much more conflicted about working than full-time mothers were about staying home

—People