Conflate means to combine or merge two or more distinct things—often ideas, concepts, or categories—into one, typically in a way that blurs important differences between them.

Example

“The article conflates correlation with causation.” (It treats them as the same when they aren’t.)

Usage notes

  • Often used critically, to point out a logical or rhetorical error where someone has failed to distinguish between things that should be kept separate.
  • Related words: merge, fuse, blend, mix up, equate.