Phrase guide

mixed message

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

noun

Meaning 1

Any communication that is contradictory, inconsistent, or unclear, especially in its motive or intent; incongruence between somebody's actions and words.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • Don't you think it's sending a mixed message for the magazine to put "Lose Five Pounds in A Month" right next to "Ten Easy Desserts"?

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.