confusing Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb mistake one thing for another
    confound; confuse.
    • you are confusing me with the other candidate
    • I mistook her for the secretary
  2. verb be confusing or perplexing to; cause to be unable to think clearly
    bedevil; discombobulate; confuse; fox; confound; befuddle; fuddle; throw.
    • These questions confuse even the experts
    • This question completely threw me
    • This question befuddled even the teacher
  3. verb cause to feel embarrassment
    disconcert; flurry; confuse; put off.
    • The constant attention of the young man confused her
  4. verb assemble without order or sense
    jumble; confuse; mix up.
    • She jumbles the words when she is supposed to write a sentence
  5. verb make unclear, indistinct, or blurred
    obscure; confuse; obnubilate; blur.
    • Her remarks confused the debate
    • Their words obnubilate their intentions
  6. adjective satellite causing confusion or disorientation
    • a confusing jumble of road signs
    • being hospitalized can be confusing and distressing for a small child
  7. adjective satellite lacking clarity of meaning; causing confusion or perplexity
    perplexing; puzzling.
    • sent confusing signals to Iraq
    • perplexing to someone who knew nothing about it
    • a puzzling statement

WordNet