bewilderment

noun

be·​wil·​der·​ment bi-ˈwil-dər-mənt How to pronounce bewilderment (audio)
bē-
Synonyms of bewildermentnext
1
: the quality or state of being lost, perplexed, or confused : the quality or state of being bewildered
She stared at them in bewilderment.
2
: a complicated or confusing state or condition : a bewildering tangle or confusion
a bewilderment of streets

Examples of bewilderment in a Sentence

the slightest change in her daily routine leaves her in complete bewilderment
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Leon was visibly wary of the government’s arguments, at times tipping into what appeared to be barely contained bewilderment. Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2026 In Caracas, moods fluctuate between skepticism, optimism and bewilderment. Cnn 9 Hr Ago, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026 And choice cuts from the game’s phenomenal soundtrack wound up in later installments as well, so newcomers could experience the sheer bewilderment upon hearing it for the first time. Adam Ismail, The Drive, 5 Feb. 2026 He was gone after 18 months, expressing bewilderment over the public scrutiny of every network move. Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bewilderment

Word History

First Known Use

1793, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bewilderment was in 1793

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Cite this Entry

“Bewilderment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bewilderment. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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