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

But confusion, and bewilderment for some, was the reaction when Sanders wasn't seen under center on the two-point try. —Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 11 Dec. 2025

Since the film's release, fan have reacted to the inclusion of Elphaba's cozy outerwear with everything from outright obsession to exaggerated bewilderment. —Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Dec. 2025

At a prayer vigil in Brasilia on Saturday night, Bolsonaro's son Flavio expressed bewilderment at his father's apparent tampering with the ankle monitor. —Arkansas Online, 24 Nov. 2025

Other residents in the neighborhood have expressed their bewilderment over the incident. —Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1793, in the meaning defined at sense 1