confused

adjective

con·​fused kən-ˈfyüzd 

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 trail

—Harry Hervey

3

: being disordered or mixed up

a contradictory and often confused story

confusedly

kən-ˈfyü-zəd-lē 

-ˈfyüzd-

adverb

confusedness

kən-ˈfyü-zəd-nəs 

-ˈfyüz(d)-

noun

Synonyms

• messy
• chaotic
• littered
• jumbled
• cluttered
• messed
• sloppy
• muddled
• filthy

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

As Covid-19 transmission ramps up in the US, many Americans are confused about the Trump administration’s latest policies concerning access to vaccines. —Jade Walker, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2025

Ironically, this search for answers often leaves them feeling more upset, confused and longing for the one who rejected them. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025

In the comments on her Instagram, fans and friends seemed confused as to whether Haddish actually welcomed a baby or not. —Hannah Sacks, People.com, 4 Aug. 2025

The to-and-fro blizzard of assertions and threats by the president has left U.S. Customs offices nearly as confused as U.S. importers and exporters. —Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 3 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English — more at confuse

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for confused

• disabused
• overused
• underused
• unexcused
• abused
• accused
• amused
• bemused
• contused
• defused
• diffused
• disused

Medical Definition

confused

adjective

con·​fused kən-ˈfyüzd 

: affected with mental confusion