confuse
47 synonyms and 10 antonyms for confuse, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To make someone unable to understand or think clearly.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use confuse
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
A back-formation from "confused", ultimately from Latin confundere ("to pour together, mix up").
Full origin of confuse →Frequently asked questions
What does “confuse” mean?
The word “confuse” means to make someone unable to understand or think clearly. In plain terms, to muddle someone's understanding, or to mix two things up.
How do you pronounce “confuse”?
“Confuse” is pronounced kuhn-FYOOZ (/kənˈfjuz/ in IPA).
How do you use “confuse” in a sentence?
Here is “confuse” used in a sentence: “The conflicting instructions confused everyone in the meeting.”
What is another word for “confuse”?
Words with a similar meaning to “confuse” include flummox, mistake, addle, baffle, vex and lose.
What is the opposite of “confuse”?
The opposite of “confuse” — its antonyms — are clarify, distinguish, enlighten, inspire and judicate.
What part of speech is “confuse”?
“Confuse” is a verb.
Where does the word “confuse” come from?
The word “confuse” comes from Latin. A back-formation from "confused", ultimately from Latin confundere ("to pour together, mix up").
Is “confuse” a common word?
“Confuse” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between "confuse" and "confound"?
Both words can mean to make someone unable to think clearly, but "confound" often implies a deeper level of astonishment or being thoroughly baffled, sometimes to the point of surprise. "Confuse" is the more everyday, general term for making someone unable to understand or think clearly.
Is it correct to say "confuse with" or "confuse for"?
The standard construction is "confuse X with Y" when mistaking one thing for another, as in "people often confuse sympathy with pity." "Confuse for" is less standard and generally avoided in careful writing.
What is the difference between "confuse" and "embarrass"?
"Confuse" can mean to make someone feel embarrassed or flustered, but its primary sense is making someone unable to think clearly, while "embarrass" specifically refers to causing discomfort or self-consciousness. The two overlap when confusion itself causes someone to feel flustered in front of others.