as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty
the library patron was in obvious befuddlement over where to find the appropriate references
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of befuddlement
Clueless to the format of the (very real) interview show (answering questions while eating ever-increasing spicy hot wings), Cherish’s exasperation, befuddlement, and visceral agony is a comic wonder to watch.
—
Jennifer Silverman, Rolling Stone, 29 Mar. 2026
And at that point, ushered into the floating mists of non-consensus with murmurings of political unease regarding content or intellectual befuddlement regarding style, the briefly sighted, singular beast of language vanishes from the visible landscape.
—Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026
Tunnel fits have become so valuable that the teams themselves post them on official social media channels, to the delight (and sometimes befuddlement) of fans.
—Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
Jennifer Silverman, Rolling Stone, 29 Mar. 2026
And at that point, ushered into the floating mists of non-consensus with murmurings of political unease regarding content or intellectual befuddlement regarding style, the briefly sighted, singular beast of language vanishes from the visible landscape.
—Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026
Tunnel fits have become so valuable that the teams themselves post them on official social media channels, to the delight (and sometimes befuddlement) of fans.
—Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for befuddlement
Noun
-
My reaction was pure confusion, sarcasm, and not ill-intended.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Be careful about your intentions today because an element of confusion (plus the ability to kid yourself) might get you in hot water.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Some spots will see fog early, especially north of the metro.—
Joseph Dames,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
During the day, drivers must also turn on their headlights whenever weather conditions, such as rain, fog, snow, or sleet reduce visibility.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Befuddlement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befuddlement. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
