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 Moore said older patients can become disoriented and delirious after long periods in the ER, raising the risk of falls. — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2026 The diver was gasping for air and appeared disoriented but was not injured, Local 10 reported. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026 The diver was gasping for air, appeared disoriented and didn’t understand what had happened, witnesses told deputies. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026 According to Environmental Health Sciences, light pollution can hinder migration patterns, reproduction, and feeding habits, as well as confuse and disorient a wide array of species. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disorient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disorient
  1. confuse
  2. bewilder
  3. perplex
  4. baffle
  5. puzzle
Verb
  • The unnamed species was apparently a victim of a creature known as a Manhunter — not to be confused with the cartoons’ friendly, green, Oreo-munching Martian Manhunter.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
  • While preparing to enter the state in February, Buc-ee’s sued the northern Ohio holding company for Mickey Mart gas stations, arguing its Mickey the Moose logo could be confused with Buc-ee.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of confuse
Verb
  • That’s a common sentiment from a touring superstar, but there’s a sense that Kahan really might be as happily bewildered as the rest of us about how songs this personal and cloudy came to captivate even sunny California.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The threats are constantly evolving, layering upon themselves with bewildering speed.
    — Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of bewilder
Verb
  • As crime units and crime tape surrounded the house, neighbors who knew the officer are perplexed.
    — Anna Meiler, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Gibson Nash, 21, was charged with first-degree murder after a series of perplexing events eventually led police to his mother’s bloodied body.
    — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of perplex
Verb
  • The scene never fails to baffle the senses as the path rises up about a thousand feet from the valley floor.
    — Kalpana Mohan, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • She is baffled by the way her friends Moe and Fumina rail against their parents, especially when Yuko is always holding back at home, forever walking on eggshells.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of baffle
Verb
  • Shortstop Jeremy Peña’s puzzling decision not to attempt a throw home as the go-ahead run scored only exacerbated matters.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • As the days get shorter and cooler, a simple evening spent puzzling, snacking, and talking may be exactly the kind of gathering everyone needs.
    — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 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 26 Aug. 2026.

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