Synonyms for
Confusing
Definition
Causing confusion or uncertainty; difficult to understand or explain.
Synonyms & similar words
confuse
fox
throw
perplexing
puzzling
blur
obscure
befuddle
jumble
confound
discombobulate
flurry
obnubilate
bedevil
disconcert
fuddle
puzzling
bewildering
perplexing
mystifying
baffling
complicated
difficult
tricky
intricate
complex
ambiguous
unclear
vague
uncertain
hazy
obscure
cloudy
muddled
jumbled
disorienting
Synonyms by register
Informal
Antonyms
Common collocations
- confusing situation
- confusing message
- confusing instructions
- confusing statement
- confusingly simple
- confusingly similar
- confusingly vague
Word family
Usage note
While 'confusing' can describe something difficult to understand, 'confounded' is often used to express frustration or surprise at something confusing.
Compare "confusing" with another word →
Example sentences
- The math problem was confusing and I didn't know how to solve it.
- The directions were so confusing that I got lost.
- The new software was confusing to use at first, but I got the hang of it eventually.
- The teacher's explanation was confusing and I didn't understand the lesson.
- The map was confusing and I couldn't find my way around.
Quotes
Life is really simple, but we insist on making it confusing.
The future is completely open, and we are writing it moment to moment. There is always a chance to set things right, to avoid a clash between head and heart.
The world is confusing and scary, but there is something beautiful about how we keep going despite the terror.