bewildering 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of bewilderingnext
as in perplexing

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bewildering

2 of 2

verb

present participle of bewilder
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
Adjective
By now, the months leading up to the ceremony—starting with the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where Anora won the Palme d’Or—are one big, bewildering blur to her. — Marley Marius, Vogue, 17 Sep. 2026 For a working adult, deciding to go back to school can be a lonely and bewildering experience. — Brian Hartnack, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Verb
There aren’t many ways to earn a club’s first win better than bewildering the league’s defending champions at their place. — Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 26 Mar. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for bewildering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bewildering
  1. perplexing
  2. baffling
  3. confusing
  4. puzzling
  5. confounding
  6. muddled
  7. frustrating
  8. disorganized
Adjective
  • Perhaps most perplexing are the patrons who aggressively flirt with him.
    — Jenelle Riley, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
  • More perplexing is the industry’s retreat despite evidence that diversity is in its economic interest.
    — Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of perplexing
Verb
  • The latest weakening of criteria is baffling if not unsurprising given the agency’s pitifully weak, unserious leadership.
    — Diana Urban, Hartford Courant, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The sequel, on the other hand, is shaped by baffling decisions from director Susanne Bier and cinematographer Simon Duggan that render the film antiseptic.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of baffling
Adjective
  • Berg, working with DP Jacques Jouffret, favors close shots that force us to experience battle much like our heroes do, as confusing, terrifying bursts of mayhem.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
  • However, by creating official federal standards for their color, brightness, and location, NHTSA wants to make sure that any automaker who chooses to add them uses a consistent, legal setup instead of a confusing mix of different colors and signals.
    — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of confusing
Verb
  • Researchers are still puzzling through what happened to the ancient Maya civilization, which mysteriously dwindled.
    — Terrence McCoy, Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2026
  • To read her book is to be reminded that childhood can be a puzzling passage for anyone, even in an ostensibly simpler time and place.
    — Danny Heitman, Christian Science Monitor, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of puzzling
Adjective
  • Its study of dark matter and dark energy could also give scientists new insights into two of the most confounding puzzles in astronomy.
    — Denise Chow, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Grief is one of the most confounding aspects of the human experience.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026
Definition of confounding
Adjective
  • And as formidable as Seydoux can be, the character isn’t so much heartbreakingly conflicted as she is oddly muddled and underdeveloped.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
  • What was expected to have been achieved during offseason team bonding and then three weeks of preseason instead has left a muddled mess for coach Erik Spoelstra.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of muddled
Adjective
  • Hogging pool loungers, blasting music, and blocking elevators are among the most frustrating cruise ship etiquette violations.
    — Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Is love in all its frustrating insufficiency enough to save us?
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of frustrating
Adjective
  • The findings paint a picture of a response marred by poor preparation, communication issues and disorganized leadership that struggled to coordinate between jurisdictions.
    — Evan Bush, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Chaos ruled the Eaton fire’s incident command Even if on-the-ground reports of a burning west Altadena had reached the Rose Bowl base, the incident command located there was disorganized and chaotic, the report found.
    — Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of disorganized

Browse Nearby Words

bewilderedness
bewildering
bewilderment
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Cite this Entry

“Bewildering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bewildering. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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