conflicted

adjective

con·​flict·​ed kən-ˈflik-təd How to pronounce conflicted (audio)
: experiencing or marked by ambivalence or a conflict especially of emotions
this unhappy and conflicted modern womanJohn Updike
conflicted feelings

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 Several figures in New York’s creative industry have reacted positively to Emory’s decision to leave, but others feel more conflicted about the use of imagery depicting such extreme violence against Black people in a clothing collection. Rachel Tashjian, Washington Post, 1 Sep. 2023 The performance is by the marvelous Raúl Méndez, who infuses the character with magnetism and conflicted depth. Celia Wren, Washington Post, 11 Sep. 2023 But Elias’ conflicted allegiances, affectingly played by Ramey, test them both. Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Sep. 2023 Perhaps younger writers simply have a more conflicted relationship with fashion. Rachel Tashjian, Washington Post, 21 Aug. 2023 And so, heading into a potential engagement, Lawson was more conflicted than ever. Elizabeth Wagmeister, Variety, 21 Aug. 2023 Sandra becomes the main suspect and the couple’s conflicted relationship is put on trial. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Aug. 2023 There’s a lot for Ian to explore in his father’s conflicted feelings about working in Hollywood, as well as his alcoholism. Vulture, 10 Aug. 2023 The comedian pulls off one of the best dramatic roles of the season, playing a complicated and conflicted woman whose internalized trauma collides into the similarly pained character played by Steven Yeun — sparking a road rage incident that tears apart their lives. Michael Schneider, Variety, 17 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'conflicted.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of conflict entry 2

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of conflicted was in 1789

Dictionary Entries Near conflicted

Cite this Entry

“Conflicted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conflicted. Accessed 2 Oct. 2023.

Medical Definition

conflicted

adjective
con·​flict·​ed kən-ˈflik-təd How to pronounce conflicted (audio)
: having or experiencing emotional conflict
working women were much more conflicted about working than full-time mothers were about staying homePeople

More from Merriam-Webster on conflicted

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