as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty
an expression of utter bemusement
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Recent Examples of bemusement
For all those reasons, there has been bemusement at Everton in the past over his relative lack of England recognition.
—
Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
His newfound fame has proven to be a great source of both bemusement and validation for Cowan, who has been honing his craft in the background for years.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
Every song, both new and old, was captured in one take (sometimes to the bemusement of his singers), with sparse arrangements for piano, choir, and clarinet.
—Matthew Blackwell, Pitchfork, 17 Feb. 2026
Americans have been watching with bemusement the goings-on in New York City, where a new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, is promising democratic socialist policies including a plan to open city-run grocery stores.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 28 Jan. 2026
This bemusement reflects the burgeoning industry of instructional card, dice, and board games that sprang up in the late 1700s, partly in response to changing attitudes towards juvenile education outlined early on by the philosopher John Locke a century before.
—JSTOR Daily, 26 Nov. 2025
The series offers Whitford his latest opportunity to express general bemusement with the American political process, this time sporting a bushy white beard, and Whigham his latest opportunity to be an uncouth bull in an otherwise genteel china shop.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2025
At one point, Gwen prays to Jesus for help, much to the bemusement (and adoration) of Ernesto.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
But Lee is the kind of crusader who inspires more bemusement than admiration from those around him.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
His newfound fame has proven to be a great source of both bemusement and validation for Cowan, who has been honing his craft in the background for years.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
Every song, both new and old, was captured in one take (sometimes to the bemusement of his singers), with sparse arrangements for piano, choir, and clarinet.
—Matthew Blackwell, Pitchfork, 17 Feb. 2026
Americans have been watching with bemusement the goings-on in New York City, where a new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, is promising democratic socialist policies including a plan to open city-run grocery stores.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 28 Jan. 2026
This bemusement reflects the burgeoning industry of instructional card, dice, and board games that sprang up in the late 1700s, partly in response to changing attitudes towards juvenile education outlined early on by the philosopher John Locke a century before.
—JSTOR Daily, 26 Nov. 2025
The series offers Whitford his latest opportunity to express general bemusement with the American political process, this time sporting a bushy white beard, and Whigham his latest opportunity to be an uncouth bull in an otherwise genteel china shop.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2025
At one point, Gwen prays to Jesus for help, much to the bemusement (and adoration) of Ernesto.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
But Lee is the kind of crusader who inspires more bemusement than admiration from those around him.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bemusement
Noun
-
Supporters argue that maintaining a consistent time year-round would reduce confusion, improve safety and enhance productivity.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Likely in response to the confusion, prominent cleric Ayatollah Nasser Makarem Shirazi on Saturday urged Iran’s Assembly of Experts to act quickly to name a new supreme leader.—
Jon Gambrell,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
What sounds like a broadcaster’s signature was born from a son trying to reach his father through the fog of a degenerative disease.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Patchy fog may linger in the morning.—
Brandi D. Addison,
IndyStar,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Instead, three years after voting to support their own work stoppage against the major studios, the writers that marched alongside staff on the busy corner of Fairfax Avenue and 3rd Street expressed disappointment and bewilderment that this issue had not yet been resolved.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
6 Mar. 2026
-
The surge has drawn the attention of influencers and media outlets alike, sparking reactions that range from laughter and bewilderment to outright anger.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
But public criticism, questions and bafflement have surrounded the decision to set out from the huts at Frog Lake in the middle of the season’s fiercest storm.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Its inclusion on the album has long been a cause of bafflement among Bowie fans, not least as it was originally recorded for Hunky Dory.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bemusement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bemusement. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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