bewilderment

noun

be·​wil·​der·​ment bi-ˈwil-dər-mənt 

bē-

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

Synonyms

• confusion
• fog

Examples of bewilderment in a Sentence

the slightest change in her daily routine leaves her in complete bewilderment

Recent Examples on the Web

The judge’s tone is one of bewilderment because these circumstances are indeed bewildering, and no doubt would be to the Founding Fathers who expressly rejected monarchy and established a system of government where the citizenry would be free to express its discontent at government policies. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 15 June 2025

There was a palpable mix of shock and bewilderment in the loss, and even confidence in the Leafs’ chances ahead in Game 6. —Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 15 May 2025

New York is a realm of fantasy and myth, obsession and resentment, fear and bewilderment for many who’ve never set foot in it; and many who live here also purvey and perpetuate some version of the imaginary city. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 May 2025

His Baseball Savant page is a source of bewilderment and wonder to me. —Levi Weaver, New York Times, 20 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1793, in the meaning defined at sense 1