conflicted

adjective

con·​flict·​ed kən-ˈflik-təd 

: experiencing or marked by ambivalence or a conflict especially of emotions

conflicted feelings

… these people are … conflicted in their values and beliefs.

—Norman Ornstein

Synonyms of conflicted

• unsure
• ambivalent
• afraid
• hesitant
• uncertain

Examples of conflicted in a Sentence

She was still conflicted about her ex-husband's remarriage.

I'm conflicted about the prospect of our only child going away to college.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Dark Knight Rises may be an overstuffed and thematically conflicted mess, but her Catwoman rings crystal clear. —Chris Feil, Vulture, 1 May 2026

Bourzgui brings genuine menace and charisma to David, while Benet has strong leading-man presence as the conflicted Michael. —Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026

Braff admits, but explains the conflicted choice. —Amanda Champagne-Meadows, Deadline, 25 Apr. 2026

Why Gen Z is the most conflicted generation The generational data doesn’t resolve cleanly. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of conflict entry 2

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for conflicted

• addicted
• afflicted
• constricted
• convicted
• depicted
• evicted
• inflicted
• predicted
• restricted
• contradicted
• interdicted
• unrestricted

Medical Definition

conflicted

adjective

con·​flict·​ed kən-ˈflik-təd 

: having or experiencing emotional conflict

working women were much more conflicted about working than full-time mothers were about staying home

—People