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
Examples of bewilderment in a Sentence
the slightest change in her daily routine leaves her in complete bewilderment
Recent Examples on the Web
The surge has drawn the attention of influencers and media outlets alike, sparking reactions that range from laughter and bewilderment to outright anger.
—
ABC News, 27 Feb. 2026
Sebastian gradually stoops, her frame becoming bent and delicate, her face a soft mask of bewilderment.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2026
How painful her bewilderment at finding herself with two small children!
—Elaine Blair, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
Krejci’s expression as referee Tom Kirk brandished the red card looked like one of genuine bewilderment.
—Steve Madeley, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bewilderment
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.
ABC News, 27 Feb. 2026
Sebastian gradually stoops, her frame becoming bent and delicate, her face a soft mask of bewilderment.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2026
How painful her bewilderment at finding herself with two small children!
—Elaine Blair, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
Krejci’s expression as referee Tom Kirk brandished the red card looked like one of genuine bewilderment.
—Steve Madeley, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bewilderment
Cite this Entry
“Bewilderment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bewilderment. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
