bafflement

noun

Definition of bafflementnext
as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty his complete bafflement as to the point of the joke was in itself funny

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 bafflement But those willing to pay can suffer betrayals and bafflements of their own. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026 The result is an incredible repository of vexations, bafflements, witticisms, and brilliancies. — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 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 Its inclusion on the album has long been a cause of bafflement among Bowie fans, not least as it was originally recorded for Hunky Dory. — Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026 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 In a new interview with GQ, the star expressed bafflement over Nicki Minaj‘s targeting her on social media — and sidestepped Kendrick Lamar‘s beef with Drake. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bafflement
  1. confusion
  2. fog
  3. bewilderment
  4. perplexity
Noun
  • The new on-pitch laws… There was confusion at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium in the first round of the Carabao Cup, when substitute Fin Cartwright was held back from entering the pitch straight away.
    — George Edwards, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The confusion is that Italian etiquette is not the same as Italian-American etiquette, where the continuing use of the spoon is not uncommon.
    — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of confusion
Noun
  • For near the coast this weekend, a thick layer of clouds and fog can be expected.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 14 Aug. 2026
  • There are fog machines, rainstorm fans, seat shaker amplifiers, flashing strobe lights and strong scents, according to Regal’s website.
    — Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of fog
Noun
  • After an exceptionally long pause, during which Affleck looked around the room in bewilderment, a drum roll signaled their victory.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 30 July 2026
  • Researchers who received the letter from AHRQ Director Roger Klein expressed bewilderment because much of their work has the same objectives that Klein highlighted as the agency’s current priorities.
    — Arthur Allen, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
Definition of bewilderment
Noun
  • The first weeks were a roller coaster of pleasure and perplexity.
    — Tim Parks, New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The fashion world, for the most part, reacted with perplexity.
    — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2026
Definition of perplexity

Browse Nearby Words

bafflegab
bafflement
bafflements
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Cite this Entry

“Bafflement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bafflement. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bafflement

Nglish: Translation of bafflement for Spanish Speakers

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