as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty
an expression of utter bemusement
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Recent Examples of bemusement
The reaction to her performance from commentators online ranged from bemusement to ridicule, with some observers stating that her opportunity would have come at the expense of a genuinely professional player.
—
Don Riddell, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
Take the period between 1969 and 1985, when almost half of all matches in the ultimate form of the game lasted five days and finished, to the bemusement of those not invested in the intricacies of Test cricket, in stalemate.
—Paul Newman, New York Times, 1 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
Apatow tells the story of walking into Jerry Seinfeld’s apartment circa 1983 and seeing the bemusement on Seinfeld’s face.
—Adrienne Lafrance, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2025
The ball caromed to the backstop and Andy Pages scored as Pedro Pages looked around in bemusement.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 6 Aug. 2025
Don Riddell, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
Take the period between 1969 and 1985, when almost half of all matches in the ultimate form of the game lasted five days and finished, to the bemusement of those not invested in the intricacies of Test cricket, in stalemate.
—Paul Newman, New York Times, 1 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
Apatow tells the story of walking into Jerry Seinfeld’s apartment circa 1983 and seeing the bemusement on Seinfeld’s face.
—Adrienne Lafrance, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2025
The ball caromed to the backstop and Andy Pages scored as Pedro Pages looked around in bemusement.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bemusement
Noun
-
Toys are supposed to be fun and exciting for children, while some are also educational, but a few products aimed at kids have caused a wave of confusion among adults.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Clarity awaits amid confusion, Libra.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Freezing fog makes driving, boating, flying, and other forms of transportation particularly hazardous.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Streetlights flickered before large parts of the city were plunged into darkness, as a thick fog settled over the streets and temperatures plummeted to –5 degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit).—
Kosta Gak,
CNN Money,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In a marked contrast to the undisguised anger, bitter satire, and clear-eyed analysis of his colleagues, bewilderment became the theme of his monologue.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Other residents in the neighborhood have expressed their bewilderment over the incident.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
PEOPLE,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The Ella McCay trend, originated by a Twitter user named Michael Roberts, began as a tribute born out of simultaneous admiration and bafflement.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
10 Dec. 2025
-
Just silence and forlorn stares of players stuck in a state of bafflement and disappointment.—
Nicki Jhabvala,
New York Times,
8 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bemusement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bemusement. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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