UNFOCUSED Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

unfocused

adjective

variants also unfocussed

Definition of unfocused

as in muddled

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 unfocused Feeling scattered and unfocused? — Usa Today, USA Today, 25 June 2026 People who are motivated to follow their leaders are more accountable than those who are following rules or goals that are unclear or unfocused. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 June 2026 Sometimes that critique is known as a fishing expedition, an unfocused and far-reaching hunt for any possible wrongdoing even if completely unrelated to the case. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 4 June 2026 However, despite Fariala’s tight control of the tone and the musical elements, the script remains shaggy and unfocused at times. — Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfocused

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfocused

Adjective

That particular brand of pseudo-advocacy, hiding behind the muddled language of law, has been a PEN America staple for at least a decade now.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 July 2026
Dig deeper, though, and the picture becomes muddled—because how much of that really matters?

— Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026

Definition of muddled

Adjective

In a little corner of my mind, however, history will always mean the tragic smashing of individual lives by its cruel hands and the scattering of bewildered people reeling from its blows.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 July 2026
Away from the bewildered rancher calling out in surprise, away from the Appaloosa.

— Emily Ruskovich, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026

Definition of bewildered

Adjective

The Jayhawks appeared dazed after falling behind 10-1 early before 3,192 enthusiastic fans.

— Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026
Paul rose, dazed and much too slowly, felt for his glasses, went to the table, and gently touched the laptop with his index finger.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 July 2026

Definition of dazed

Adjective

Susan Blanchard co-starred as Tina Kelly, his scatterbrained housekeeper.

— Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
The novel begins on a Monday afternoon like any other at its three adolescent central characters’ loving but scatterbrained aunt Xía’s house in Miami.

— Juan Vidal, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025

Definition of scatterbrained

Adjective

Instead, the calls were about, for example, a homeless person who fell asleep in a store, a person who seemed confused in a public park, and someone who was yelling at passersby on the street.

— Scott Maucione, NPR, 27 July 2026
These are questions to raise confidence levels among United fans, rather than confused eyebrows.

— Carl Anka, New York Times, 25 July 2026

Definition of confused

Adjective

To his right, a young man is shooting on his iPhone while his friend interviews a bemused passerby.

— Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
The leasing officer who let us in watches from the doorway with a bemused smile as Parks films the space on her phone, clacking around the hardwood floors in nude heels and a backless seafoam dress, a Coach bag slung over her shoulder.

— Clio Chang, Curbed, 14 July 2026

Definition of bemused

Adjective

They are being given directions by a senile old man who is losing his mind.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 22 Mar. 2026
His older brother, played by Paul Wesley, has died under mysterious circumstances, forcing Ethan to return home to contend with that grief, with the stark fact of his senile mother, and with the resentments of former friends who view his departure as a betrayal.

— Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026

Definition of senile

Adjective

The lawsuit lists breach of fiduciary duty, fraud and negligent misrepresentation among its causes for action and seeks declaratory relief via jury trial.

— Chaewon Chung July 22, Sacbee.com, 22 July 2026
Miles is an outstanding playmaker who has elevated her teammates and succeeded on defense after being almost negligent on that side of the ball in college.

— Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Definition of negligent

Browse Nearby Words

unflinching

unfocused

unfold

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Unfocused.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfocused. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of unfocused

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

inveigle

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes