confused

adjective

con·​fused kən-ˈfyüzd How to pronounce confused (audio)
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 trailHarry Hervey
3
: being disordered or mixed up
a contradictory and often confused story
confusedly adverb
confusedness noun

Examples of confused in a Sentence

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
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.
Prepare to be deeply confused yet entertained by the main character’s wildly unreliable imagination. Sarah Kinonen, Allure, 27 Nov. 2024 Kicker Justin Tucker made a 45-yard field goal in the third quarter, but the Ravens, including running back Keaton Mitchell, still seem confused about when to return kickoffs. Mike Preston, Baltimore Sun, 26 Nov. 2024 Applicability Some taxpayers are confused about their own reporting requirements—simply receiving a form (or not) doesn’t control the tax treatment. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024 Selena Gomez would often get confused for one of her TV characters early in her career. Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for confused 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English — more at confuse

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of confused was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near confused

Cite this Entry

“Confused.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/confused. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

confused

adjective
con·​fused kən-ˈfyüzd How to pronounce confused (audio)
: affected with mental confusion

More from Merriam-Webster on confused

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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