conflicted

adjective

con·​flict·​ed kən-ˈflik-təd 

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

this unhappy and conflicted modern woman

—John Updike

conflicted feelings

Synonyms

• 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

New Zealander James Bertram reveals his conflicted feelings in the realization that his comfortable stay in Japan was a distraction from the horrors experienced on the Chinese front lines. —H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 22 Aug. 2025

The narrative sporadically darts into his consciousness, reflecting a conflicted conscience and a degree of interiority that make the book revolutionary. —Lauren Groff, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2025

And there would be a focus on the dynamics that protected Biden: the conflicted motives of two of those closest to him. —U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025

The panel further critiqued the commissioner as in a conflicted position to arbitrate. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 Aug. 2025

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