befuddlement

noun

as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty the library patron was in obvious befuddlement over where to find the appropriate references

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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 befuddlement No shade on Parrish — as written, milquetoast Kevin is little more than an air of genial befuddlement with a jawline, an impression not helped by the predictability of his arc. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026 But her real aim is to solve her romantic befuddlement by sleeping with her celebrity crush, who happens to be Jon Hamm. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 10 July 2026 Clips of the group’s march in Washington, as well as its befuddlement with the subway, went viral. — Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026 While some American commentators voiced befuddlement or disdain toward Europe’s low rates of air conditioning, France’s far right seized on the moment to criticize the government and push a plan for widespread AC installation, bringing the issue into the culture war zeitgeist. — J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 28 June 2026 His bamboozlement, nay, his flabbergastery, NAY, his befuddlement are entirely justified. — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 9 June 2026 Clueless to the format of the (very real) interview show (answering questions while eating ever-increasing spicy hot wings), Cherish’s exasperation, befuddlement, and visceral agony is a comic wonder to watch. — Jennifer Silverman, Rolling Stone, 29 Mar. 2026 And at that point, ushered into the floating mists of non-consensus with murmurings of political unease regarding content or intellectual befuddlement regarding style, the briefly sighted, singular beast of language vanishes from the visible landscape. — Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026 Tunnel fits have become so valuable that the teams themselves post them on official social media channels, to the delight (and sometimes befuddlement) of fans. — Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for befuddlement
  1. confusion
  2. fog
  3. bewilderment
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
  • The fog should gradually lift and dissipate around 9 am EDT this morning.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The marine layer — the region’s natural air conditioning — is expected to remain thick through the weekend, with the possibility of coastal fog and drizzle.
    — Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 21 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

Browse Nearby Words

befuddled
befuddlement
befuddlements
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Cite this Entry

“Befuddlement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befuddlement. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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