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 of bewilderment

• 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

McElwee’s brother, having followed their father into the medical profession, received mentorship and experienced the glow of paternal pride, whereas McElwee’s youthful filmmaking vocation was met with bewilderment and doubt. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 July 2026

Eventually, to the frustration and bewilderment of many, the referee ruled the goal out because the video assistant referee (VAR) had identified a foul on Lisandro Martínez, which had resulted in Egypt regaining the ball for the goal. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 8 July 2026

There was bewilderment, also, at the failure of the referee to get any kind of grip or control over the Paraguayan antics. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026

And Bericoto, to the bewilderment of everyone, put his head down and started jogging to second, apparently thinking Haase had struck out. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 30 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1793, in the meaning defined at sense 1