Synonym Chooser

How does the verb bewilder differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of bewilder are confound, distract, dumbfound, nonplus, perplex, and puzzle. While all these words mean "to baffle and disturb mentally," bewilder stresses a confusion of mind that hampers clear and decisive thinking.

a bewildering number of possibilities

Where would confound be a reasonable alternative to bewilder?

The meanings of confound and bewilder largely overlap; however, confound implies temporary mental paralysis caused by astonishment or profound abasement.

the tragic news confounded us all

When would distract be a good substitute for bewilder?

In some situations, the words distract and bewilder are roughly equivalent. However, distract implies agitation or uncertainty induced by conflicting preoccupations or interests.

distracted by personal problems

When might dumbfound be a better fit than bewilder?

While the synonyms dumbfound and bewilder are close in meaning, dumbfound suggests intense but momentary confounding; often the idea of astonishment is so stressed that it becomes a near synonym of astound.

was at first too dumbfounded to reply

When is it sensible to use nonplus instead of bewilder?

Although the words nonplus and bewilder have much in common, nonplus implies a bafflement that makes orderly planning or deciding impossible.

the remark left us utterly nonplussed

When can perplex be used instead of bewilder?

The synonyms perplex and bewilder are sometimes interchangeable, but perplex adds a suggestion of worry and uncertainty especially about making a necessary decision.

a behavior that perplexed her friends

In what contexts can puzzle take the place of bewilder?

The words puzzle and bewilder can be used in similar contexts, but puzzle implies existence of a problem difficult to solve.

the persistent fever puzzled the doctor

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 bewilder They were bewildered for me, and so was all the other staff. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025 Small wonder many of the migrants are disoriented and bewildered. Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 Madrid led 3-1 at the break and United’s players walked off the pitch bewildered. Andy Mitten, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025 At the Super Bowl, Bieber was seen dancing atop a VIP suite sofa shirtless and barefoot, bewildering nearby spectators. Shirley Halperin, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bewilder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bewilder
Verb
  • With appetites for true crime documentaries seemingly insatiable, some viewers will be perplexed and even frustrated at how the directors don’t want to play investigative reporter or detective.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 6 June 2025
  • They’re perplexed by the new arrival in their midst, but in time Laura and the lonely, unforthcoming Max warm to each other, and the four form an odd, intuitive family unit.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Map their journey to spot every gap, make buying effortless with fewer steps, communicate clearly so no one gets confused, add personal touches that create connection, and follow up fast to turn buyers into advocates.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • Letters: Washington, D.C., has a deficit of humanity Do not confuse my warning to Israel for a shred of understanding for what Hamas did on Oct. 7, 2023.
    Thomas L. Friedman, Mercury News, 14 June 2025
Verb
  • When Burrell wasn’t tapped to join the show’s 28th season in January — after playing a central role in the first 27 — viewers were appalled and even Burrell was baffled.
    Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025
  • Many bat species live for 20 to 40 years, in the wild or in captivity, baffling scientists.
    Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • But when their daughter Abby was born months later, the couple were both shocked and puzzled.
    Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
  • And a slightly surreal, fantastical closing scene is puzzling and pretentious rather than provocative.
    Stephen Farber, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bewilder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bewilder. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on bewilder

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!