disorient

verb

(ˌ)dis-ˈȯr-ē-ˌent How to pronounce disorient (audio)
Definition of disorientnext
as in to confuse
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty troops disoriented by the sudden change in battle plans

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 disorient But when Lucky awakens, disoriented, in her hotel room, Cary and the cash have vanished. — Judy Berman, Time, 15 July 2026 Whether Spatial surrounds its reggae-toasting host with piles of drums, disorienting electronic beats, or locomotive rock music, Scratch abides as crooner, barker, mystic, meditation coach — whatever the moment requires. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 8 July 2026 Others close to the 51-year-old were worried that he may have been disoriented. — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 If someone suddenly seems confused or disoriented, that’s a strong indication of heatstroke. — Nicole Bennett, AJC.com, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for disorient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disorient
  1. confuse
  2. bewilder
  3. perplex
  4. baffle
  5. puzzle
Verb
  • Still, don’t confuse harmony with everyone silently knowing the plan.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2026
  • Large-scale solar farms cause habitat loss, fragment ecosystems, and confuse wildlife with reflective panels, while concentrated solar can vaporize birds.
    — Indrabati Lahiri, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of confuse
Verb
  • In Texas, Spain bewildered France, neutralising what has looked like the most formidable attack in the tournament.
    — Sukhman Singh, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • As fans of the comedian know, Ali G is a streetwise interviewer whose hip hop slang often bewilders guests such as Noam Chomsky, Andy Rooney and Newt Gingrich.
    — Brent Lang, Variety, 7 July 2026
Definition of bewilder
Verb
  • Workers at Doherty Staffing Solutions were perplexed when strangers started calling the office in response to recruitment texts — texts the firm never sent.
    — Bill Lukitsch, Boston Herald, 13 July 2026
  • The Wiener Kitchen diners weren’t the only Kansas Citians perplexed by this description.
    — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026
Definition of perplex
Verb
  • The closure of the Dome and ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood has been painful for both locals and industry creatives, leaving countless baffled that powerbrokers in town have not found a way to open the doors again.
    — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 21 July 2026
  • While Loathe’s baffling compositional choices may jump out first, the album’s most glaring flaw is its production.
    — Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 16 July 2026
Definition of baffle
Verb
  • No hotspot exists beneath Sicily, leaving scientists puzzled.
    — Refractor, Refractor, 27 July 2026
  • This kind of arrangement isn’t new—when ARTnews broached the subject with New York’s Michael Hort, who collects with his wife Susan, he was puzzled as to why there should even be a story about it.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of puzzle

Browse Nearby Words

disorganizing
disorient
disoriented
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Cite this Entry

“Disorient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disorient. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on disorient

Nglish: Translation of disorient for Spanish Speakers

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