as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty
the library patron was in obvious befuddlement over where to find the appropriate references
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Recent Examples of befuddlement
Bohumila shrugged with a look of befuddlement.
—
Zuzana Říhová, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025
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
Zuzana Říhová, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025
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
-
Multiple helpers can slow response during urgent scams and create confusion when fast decisions matter.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
11 Jan. 2026
-
The category confusion continued this year.—
Alli Rosenbloom,
CNN Money,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, initiate your hazard lights and locate a secure spot, such as a nearby business parking area, to pull over and come to a halt.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Investigators noted that fog was present in the area at the time of the collision.—
Richard Ramos,
CBS News,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
There will be still rocky places of frustration and meandering points of bewilderment.—
Lydia Price,
PEOPLE,
19 Jan. 2026
-
The case, which has shone a spotlight on chronic staff shortages and funding gaps in the country's medical system, has provoked anger and bewilderment from Russian politicians and online commentators.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Befuddlement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befuddlement. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.
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