1
as in fog
a state of mental uncertainty
the farmer's driving directions to the fairground just left us in total confusion
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in embarrassment
the emotional state of being made self-consciously uncomfortable
thrown into speechless confusion by the wild accusations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of confusion
The confusion and sensitivity surrounding the case reflect a broader crossroads for Austin police, legal experts and immigration advocates told the Statesman.
—
Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American Statesman, 10 Jan. 2026
After Trump called on Ryan Lance of ConocoPhillips to speak, Rubio could be seen passing a handwritten note to Trump while Vance, 41, seemed to look on with confusion.
—Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
The sheriff's office also apologized for some confusion with initial messaging from the sheriff's office Thursday morning on social media.
—CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Kennedy’s May rescission of COVID vaccine recommendations resulted in confusion among providers, and many people were initially unable to get vaccines at pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription.
—Grayson Logue, Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for confusion
Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American Statesman, 10 Jan. 2026
After Trump called on Ryan Lance of ConocoPhillips to speak, Rubio could be seen passing a handwritten note to Trump while Vance, 41, seemed to look on with confusion.
—Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
The sheriff's office also apologized for some confusion with initial messaging from the sheriff's office Thursday morning on social media.
—CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Kennedy’s May rescission of COVID vaccine recommendations resulted in confusion among providers, and many people were initially unable to get vaccines at pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription.
—Grayson Logue, Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for confusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confusion
Noun
-
Freezing fog makes driving, boating, flying, and other forms of transportation particularly hazardous.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Streetlights flickered before large parts of the city were plunged into darkness, as a thick fog settled over the streets and temperatures plummeted to –5 degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit).—
Kosta Gak,
CNN Money,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Max wreaks some more havoc after the excursion by gunning it on the tender while towing guests on the tube.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Police officers stationed downtown that night quickly apprehended Edgar amid the havoc of the crowd fleeing for their lives.—
Cristóbal Reyes,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The embarrassment — firing the general manager and coach with three games left — should lead to another beautiful championship for the Nuggets.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
15 Jan. 2026
-
There was agony for Ricardo Pepi, FA Cup embarrassment for a fit-again Chris Richards and a reassuring goal for Folarin Balogun as European clubs’ USMNT stars were in action over the weekend.—
Greg O'Keeffe,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In a state with a vast gap between rich and poor, the plan has resulted in a tangle of competing interests at a time when both Democrats and Republicans are struggling to respond to economic anxiety driven by rising costs ahead of this year’s midterm elections.—
MIchael R. Blood,
Fortune,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Accessories should be minimal and delicate, to avoid any tangles mid-journey.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Later, Venezuelans fled economic chaos and lawlessness under the repressive regimes of Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chavez.—
Anthony Man,
Sun Sentinel,
10 Jan. 2026
-
The sun in Capricorn dictates a show that speaks to the need for order in times of chaos, as well as the hierarchy of the mob family and the rules required to be a member.—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
But a sense of unease overshadows it.—
Laura Turbay,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Today the sprawling complex is a museum and visitor attraction, where a sense of unease lurks along paved tourist trails and lingers in dark corridors.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Oklo exemplifies both the promise and the perplexity associated with the rebirth of nuclear power.—
Bob Woods,
CNBC,
9 Nov. 2025
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The Eagles’ 21-17 Sunday loss to the Denver Broncos contained the perplexity that has in the past provoked fans to picket outside the NovaCare Complex’s gates.—
Brooks Kubena,
New York Times,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The result also spotlights conference championships’ awkward fit in the current system, particularly given the fact that conference expansion has led to jumbles atop each league’s standings.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
7 Dec. 2025
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Ray’s most chaotic photograms—jumbles that push out of the frame or look like time bombs ready to explode—find echoes in his films, projected on the back walls, a show in themselves.—
Vince Aletti,
New Yorker,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Confusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confusion. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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