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.
The whipsaw turns have left markets, governments and consumers alike confused and worried about what’s next. Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 1 May 2025 The dogs crowd into the bathroom, peering over the edge of the tub with expressions that viewers described as both confused and concerned. Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025 The panel seemed confused, and Cannon seemed amused, as Lucky Duck explained that both Coral and Boogie Woogie would be safe and heading to the finale. Lauren Huff, EW.com, 1 May 2025 However, the tricky part is that communications are confused, especially with family members or home repairs. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 1 May 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Confused.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/confused. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

Medical Definition

confused

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

More from Merriam-Webster on confused

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