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
John Updikeconflicted 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
The cringe comedy series centering a conflicted Hollywood executive (Rogen) walked away with a whopping 13 awards, which included outstanding comedy series, outstanding writing for a comedy series and outstanding directing for a comedy series.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2025
Trump, who has sometimes seemed conflicted about the anti-vax sentiment in his coalition that prevents him from claiming more credit for Operation Warp Speed, has thoroughly capitulated to the political reality that Kennedy is a useful ally.
—Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2025
The 90-minute sci-fi anthology will comprise six 15-minute stories adapted from novels by independent authors, examining the conflicted emotions surrounding technological advancement.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 29 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for conflicted
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Edward Segarra, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2025
Trump, who has sometimes seemed conflicted about the anti-vax sentiment in his coalition that prevents him from claiming more credit for Operation Warp Speed, has thoroughly capitulated to the political reality that Kennedy is a useful ally.
—Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2025
The 90-minute sci-fi anthology will comprise six 15-minute stories adapted from novels by independent authors, examining the conflicted emotions surrounding technological advancement.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 29 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for conflicted
Cite this Entry
“Conflicted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conflicted. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
PeopleLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share