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

The Nakba has been one of the defining experiences for Palestinians for more than 75 years, helping to shape their national identity and casting its shadow on their conflicted relationship with Israel in the decades since. —Hussam Al-Masri, USA Today, 9 July 2025

Analysts say the market is currently in a conflicted state, mainly due to credibility concerns over the Trump administration. —CNBC, 9 July 2025

For instance, as of July 4, Neptune retrograde in Aries is activating your eighth house of mergers, shared resources and psychological motivations, stirring up unresolved emotional baggage and conflicted energies around intimate affairs or joint ventures. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 8 July 2025

Ohio State’s run to the national championship produced conflicted feelings on both sides. —Austin Meek, New York Times, 7 July 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