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 Miller woke up disoriented and alone in the hospital; her clothes were surrendered as evidence. — Sharon Chin, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026 He is disoriented, and the plane lurches toward becoming inverted. — Liz McNeil, PEOPLE, 12 Oct. 2026 The four-year ceasefire with the Houthis was already fragile, and the rapid UAE withdrawal as demanded by Riyadh left thousands of fighters who had spent a decade under Abu Dhabi’s command disoriented by Riyadh’s strategy. — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026 The multi-story experience is intended to disorient visitors as the navigate the twisting space, so don’t expect an easy out. — John Wenzel, Denver Post, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disorient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disorient
  1. confuse
  2. bewilder
  3. perplex
  4. baffle
  5. puzzle
Verb
  • But the other Sullivan has said the decision to run was his own and denied his candidacy was intended to confuse voters or siphon votes in Republican Sullivan's tight race against Democrat Mary Peltola, a former congresswoman.
    — Willem Marx, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Christina Applegate’s recent revelation that she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis is raising questions about how the disease can be confused with other conditions even after years of treatment.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of confuse
Verb
  • Many Eagles players were concerned and bewildered by the development.
    — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Latif is conflicted by his double life, bewildered by his doubling of parental responsibilities, constantly trying to think two moves ahead yet always ending up three steps behind.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of bewilder
Verb
  • At Telluride, Fielder, who had initially planned to stay behind the scenes, admitted he was still perplexed by the couple’s openness.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • They were perplexed at first, flummoxed, but pleasant, and unfortunately for them, already long gone from the airport.
    — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of perplex
Verb
  • To me, Neil Simon’s comedy is a masterclass in the architecture of laughter, and I’ve long been baffled that this extraordinary play hasn’t received a major revival in recent years.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The latest weakening of criteria is baffling if not unsurprising given the agency’s pitifully weak, unserious leadership.
    — Diana Urban, Hartford Courant, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of baffle
Verb
  • Over a career spanning five decades, von Rydingsvard transformed humble four-by-four chunks of wood into towering shapes whose puzzling bumps and hollows gave them the aura of ancient living beings.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 29 Oct. 2026
  • For a country full of passionate racing fans, the 73-year wait for an Italian champ is puzzling.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 2026.

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