as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty
an expression of utter bemusement
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Recent Examples of bemusement
As James watched in bemusement, Buzelis surged upcourt with the ball in tow, slinging a pass to guard Yuki Kawamura to advance an unguarded fast break.
—
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
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
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bemusement
Noun
-
If any paperwork is involved, prepare it beforehand to skip mid-discussion confusion.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Mar. 2026
-
However, cage announcer Bruce Buffer caused confusion by reading the scores incorrectly, announcing totals that favored Fortune’s opponent.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Some patchy inland fog was also possible, mainly across the interior and over on the southwestern coast of Florida.—
Lissette Gonzalez,
CBS News,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Where my world was hemmed in by ridgelines and holler roads, Mary Lennox’s world was hemmed in by fog and wind and the low moan of a manor house that seemed to breathe on its own.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
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
Noun
-
Internally, the Bulls coaching staff has reached a point of bafflement with the forward.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Mar. 2026
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Bemusement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bemusement. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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