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View synonyms for confusion

confusion

[ kuhn-fyoo-zhuhn ]

noun

  1. the act of confusing. confusing.
  2. the state of being confused.

    Synonyms: distraction

  3. disorder; upheaval; tumult; chaos:

    The army retreated in confusion.

    Synonyms: disarray, mess, jumble, turmoil

  4. lack of clearness or distinctness:

    a confusion in his mind between right and wrong.

  5. perplexity; bewilderment:

    The more difficult questions left us in complete confusion.

  6. embarrassment or abashment:

    He blushed in confusion.

    Synonyms: mortification, shame

  7. Psychiatry. a disturbed mental state; disorientation.
  8. Archaic. defeat, overthrow, or ruin.


confusion

/ kənˈfjuːʒən /

noun

  1. the act of confusing or the state of being confused
  2. disorder; jumble
  3. bewilderment; perplexity
  4. lack of clarity; indistinctness
  5. embarrassment; abashment


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Derived Forms

  • conˈfusional, adjective

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Other Words From

  • con·fusion·al adjective
  • precon·fusion noun
  • recon·fusion noun
  • super·con·fusion noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of confusion1

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin confūsiōn-, stem of confūsiō “disorder, mixture,” literally “a mixing,” from confūs(us) “mixed” (past participle of cōnfundere; confound ) + -iō -ion

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Example Sentences

Part of the confusion has to do with the fact that the current phase in Europe — despite how bad it looks according to case numbers alone — has a different dynamic from the first phase.

From Vox

Instead, there is a lot of uncertainty and confusion about what is next.

From Fortune

Part of the confusion around sealing any deal is the number of interested parties that TikTok’s parent company must satisfy.

From Fortune

A shortage of poll workers could mean “long lines, mass confusion and miscounted ballots.”

However, since it might create confusion to have one jersey playing for both sides, they agree that the residents of two towns will combine forces to play against the third town’s residents.

Despite its ranking at the bottom of most international development indexes, the conflict is shrouded by confusion.

Bohac vowed to that when he came back next year there would be no confusion about any Christmas tree or Santa aprons.

There was confusion because our fathers were no longer going to work.

Putin may very well be the last optimist left in the country, which is facing a time of confusion and disappointment.

Her own muddled feelings of confusion, shame, and fear are what make the essay great and what make the essay her story.

In the darkness and confusion I did not distinguish the face of the man who rendered me this assistance.

Quickly seeing his confusion, they laughed long and heartily among themselves.

Scratches and flaws in the glass of slide or cover are likewise a common source of confusion to beginners.

Then our people were sure they were captured, and there was nothing but cries and confusion.

And the strength of Pharao shall be to your confusion, and the confidence of the shadow of Egypt to your shame.

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confusingconfusticate