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

The film opens in silence, with Hamlet going straight from observing his father’s dead body to discovering that Claudius has decided to marry his mother (Sheeba Chaddha), and the actor’s mute bewilderment has genuine shock and power. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 Apr. 2026

Their exchanges take place in a conversational middle range that puts their emotional substance—bewilderment, frustration, anger, quiet despair—into sharp and poignant contrast. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026

The look of bewilderment on Jared Bednar’s face was palpable. —Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 11 Mar. 2026

Jacobson’s Willy is a whirl of insecurity, misplaced self-confidence and bewilderment at how his world has changed around him. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1793, in the meaning defined at sense 1