1
as in fog
a state of mental uncertainty
the farmer's driving directions to the fairground just left us in total confusion
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in havoc
a state in which everything is out of order
it was hard to find anything in that confusion in the attic
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in embarrassment
the emotional state of being made self-consciously uncomfortable
thrown into speechless confusion by the wild accusations
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of confusion
The confusion and sensitivity surrounding the case reflect a broader crossroads for Austin police, legal experts and immigration advocates told the Statesman.
—
Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American Statesman, 10 Jan. 2026
After Trump called on Ryan Lance of ConocoPhillips to speak, Rubio could be seen passing a handwritten note to Trump while Vance, 41, seemed to look on with confusion.
—Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
The sheriff's office also apologized for some confusion with initial messaging from the sheriff's office Thursday morning on social media.
—CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Kennedy’s May rescission of COVID vaccine recommendations resulted in confusion among providers, and many people were initially unable to get vaccines at pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription.
—Grayson Logue, Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for confusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confusion
Noun
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Freezing fog makes driving, boating, flying, and other forms of transportation particularly hazardous.—
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Streetlights flickered before large parts of the city were plunged into darkness, as a thick fog settled over the streets and temperatures plummeted to –5 degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit).—
Noun
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Christian Barmore created a little more havoc against the run and pass than usual, but his only pressure was contained to the second quarter.—
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Dewan shared Fillion's sense of the havoc Monica is likely to cause in season 8.—
Noun
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Vulnerability is currency on reality television, and after a season of exposing their own struggles and embarrassments, the other women are annoyed that Meredith wants to keep up appearances.—
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The current Giants are built to avoid embarrassment, not maximize upside — and Super Bowls require risk.—
Noun
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After spraying this before a braid takedown, my hair was visibly softer and easier to mange through tangles.—
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Having the best brush for your dog will keep its coat free of tangles and might even prevent a big bill at the groomer’s.—
Noun
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Later, Venezuelans fled economic chaos and lawlessness under the repressive regimes of Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chavez.—
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The sun in Capricorn dictates a show that speaks to the need for order in times of chaos, as well as the hierarchy of the mob family and the rules required to be a member.—
Noun
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Mia Goth’s dual roles add another layer of unease.—
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Political turmoil added to unease up North.—
Noun
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Oklo exemplifies both the promise and the perplexity associated with the rebirth of nuclear power.—
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The Eagles’ 21-17 Sunday loss to the Denver Broncos contained the perplexity that has in the past provoked fans to picket outside the NovaCare Complex’s gates.—
Noun
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The result also spotlights conference championships’ awkward fit in the current system, particularly given the fact that conference expansion has led to jumbles atop each league’s standings.—
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Ray’s most chaotic photograms—jumbles that push out of the frame or look like time bombs ready to explode—find echoes in his films, projected on the back walls, a show in themselves.—
Cite this Entry
“Confusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confusion. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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