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Synonyms

confusing

American  
[kuhn-fyoo-zing] / kənˈfyu zɪŋ /

adjective

  1. causing or tending to cause confusion.

    a confusing attempt at explanation.

Other Word Forms

  • confusingly adverb
  • confusingness noun
  • unconfusing adjective

Etymology

Origin of confusing

First recorded in 1840–50; confuse + -ing 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Residents are criticizing a state law that requires permits and fees for building projects near Joshua trees, saying it’s opaque, confusing and onerous for those who want to improve or even maintain their properties.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

The results can be confusing and, at times, amusing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

But if you end up confusing the computer processing system, then humans have to come into the picture to sort things out.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

A government spokesperson said: "We're simplifying local government and ending confusing two-tier structures in Essex, so these authorities work better for local people."

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

It had certainly been an exciting morning for him, but a confusing one, too.

From "All About Sam" by Lois Lowry

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.