as in perplexing
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
as in baffling
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
the change in policy seems to have bewildered many of our customers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 bewildering
Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026
The bewildering and unexplained switch over Halligan began when the Bar replied to a complaint against her filed by the nonprofit organization Campaign for Accountability.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2026
Keith O'Brien, Rolling Stone, 22 Feb. 2026
Even a principled, well-meaning actor like Claude could face bewildering ethical conflicts.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bewildering
Adjective
The bewildering and unexplained switch over Halligan began when the Bar replied to a complaint against her filed by the nonprofit organization Campaign for Accountability.
—Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026
The bewildering and unexplained switch over Halligan began when the Bar replied to a complaint against her filed by the nonprofit organization Campaign for Accountability.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
McNutt housed some 700 kids — about one-third of the population of French Lick — and Bird found the campus outside the dormitory walls bewildering.
—Keith O'Brien, Rolling Stone, 22 Feb. 2026
Even a principled, well-meaning actor like Claude could face bewildering ethical conflicts.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bewildering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bewildering
Adjective
-
But as the adorable pair get acclimated to life in the nest, they've been observed doing some perplexing – perhaps even seemingly concerning – behavior.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Of those lowlights, Chapman’s failed attempt to steal second base was especially perplexing given his reputation as an excellent baserunner.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
This inversion explains a host of baffling political and cultural phenomena of late.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2026
-
The steel pipe's unexpected growth spurt was reported to police early Wednesday by a pedestrian who saw broken pieces of asphalt falling from the cylinder, baffling people passing by and causing traffic congestion.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The digital menu is divided into a handful of confusing categories that force you to rely on your previous memory of what’s on offer, not only because finding new options is so difficult, but also because even looking for them is inordinately time-consuming.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Set in New Jersey, the story follows an ethnically and religiously confusing family fronted by hardware store owner Linda (Laurie Metcalf), who decides after the death of her mother to run for mayor of their midsized town.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But if not selling high on Herro was a mistake, the curious commitment to Andrew Wiggins stands just as puzzling.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Why a complete and puzzling change in my lifelong habits?—
Dr. C. E. Kuschel,
Outdoor Life,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In 2021, one year into D’Amaro’s tenure and following COVID shutdowns, Disney did away with FastPass and introduced a confounding and very costly series of pay-to-skip passes, which require timing advanced booking of limited slots in these formerly free-to-enter shorter lines.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
5 Feb. 2026
-
The Eagles were a confounding defending champion throughout the regular season.—
Jeff Howe,
New York Times,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The cocktail list includes The Crag OF, a smooth take on an Old Fashioned, and the Irish Exit, a drink inspired by the Irish Maid, with elderflower, fresh lemon and muddled cucumber.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Dinner is preceded by a fireside drinks hour, which gives guests a chance to connect with each other and share highlights from the day’s game drives while sipping cocktails made with muddled herbs (grown on-site, of course).—
Alaina Chou,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
What’s especially frustrating is that this debate is being driven by politicians seeking to divide us, rather than families, coaches, and the people who are actually raising kids and protecting them.—
Mike Smith,
Denver Post,
12 Apr. 2026
-
But that was not the mayor's most frustrating moment.—
Marcia Kramer,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Krajewski said the communication felt disorganized.—
Judith Kohler,
Denver Post,
10 Apr. 2026
-
After Musk’s departure, Amodei and other researchers chafed against the leadership of Brockman, whom some considered an abrasive operator, and of Sutskever, who was generally viewed as principled but disorganized.—
Ronan Farrow,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bewildering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bewildering. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
