confusion

noun

kən-ˈfyü-zhən How to pronounce confusion (audio)
Definition of confusionnext
1
as in fog
a state of mental uncertainty the farmer's driving directions to the fairground just left us in total confusion

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2
as in havoc
a state in which everything is out of order it was hard to find anything in that confusion in the attic

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3
as in embarrassment
the emotional state of being made self-consciously uncomfortable thrown into speechless confusion by the wild accusations

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of confusion Meanwhile, Democrats argued that the reduction would disproportionately impact poor communities of color and could cause confusion and disruption. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026 Legal experts largely echoed this issue with the lawsuit in recent days, given that the DOJ presented no conclusive method for gauging legitimate confusion when auditing individual ballots. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 1 Nov. 2026 Other important symptoms of a stroke are a severe headache, confusion and numbness on one side of the body. — Diane Webber, NPR, 1 Nov. 2026 In that event, the DOJ wanted an investigation into voter intent and possible confusion from having two Dan Sullivans on the ballot. — Dan Mangan, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for confusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confusion
  1. fog
  2. havoc
  3. embarrassment
  4. tangle
  5. chaos
  6. unease
  7. perplexity
  8. jumble
Noun
  • The fog moved in, the tide was at flood and the water surface as smooth as the top of a billiard table.
    — Charles Elliott, Outdoor Life, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The fog may become locally dense, reducing visibilities on area roadways.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of fog
Noun
  • Meanwhile, the war has wreaked global havoc with no end in sight.
    — S. C. M. Paine, Foreign Affairs, 3 Nov. 2026
  • In December 2004 such a wave swept over Earth, causing some havoc.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of havoc
Noun
  • The latest embarrassment came Sunday, when Gang Green squandered a nine-point halftime lead in a 38-33 loss to the Raiders.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • What readers are saying The comments reflect a general skepticism towards polling, particularly among Republicans, who are perceived as reluctant to participate due to distrust and embarrassment about their political choices.
    — Scott Clement, Washington Post, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of embarrassment
Noun
  • Despite the beery bonhomie and singalong-friendly simplicity of their tunes, the Twisted Teens are grappling with an increasingly complex tangle of contradictions and tensions.
    — Stuart Berman, Pitchfork, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Both amyloid beta and tau are normally present in healthy brains; the plaques and tangles are abnormal aggregations of these molecules.
    — Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of tangle
Noun
  • In the movie, viewers see the regal structure, still intact, glimpsed through the office window of cranky CIA bureau chief MJ (Steve Buscemi), a key player in orchestrating the chaos.
    — Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Meiser’s partner said their approach was intended to minimize chaos in the jail system.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of chaos
Noun
  • Le Pen, meanwhile, has sought to harness unease over the demonstrations.
    — David Brennan, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026
  • California Democrats have been unable, so far, to solve homelessness or rising housing prices, Newton said, and there is unease about whether the policies that have gotten California to this point can move the state forward.
    — Jenny Jarvie Follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of unease
Noun
  • Walzer thought the matter through aloud with me, at one point letting out a small chuckle at his intellectual perplexity.
    — Jordi Graupera, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Oklo exemplifies both the promise and the perplexity associated with the rebirth of nuclear power.
    — Bob Woods, CNBC, 9 Nov. 2025
Definition of perplexity
Noun
  • Arches and natural bridges sweep like buttresses from jumbles of rock, giving this landscape a mystical, cathedral-like quality.
    — Madison Chapman, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Macaroons are chewy jumbles of coconut bound together with egg whites and sweetened condensed milk.
    — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of jumble

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Cite this Entry

“Confusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confusion. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about confusion

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