as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty
an expression of utter bemusement
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Recent Examples of bemusement
He was given considerable access to the behind-the-scenes activities of the show’s production and to many of its stars and staff, none of whom have much to say beyond expressing bemusement at some of Michaels’ personal quirks and habits or praise for his taste in comedy.
—
Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Now a quarter century into a career largely characterized by mystique and a seeming avoidance of the public eye, Atobe has spent the better part of the 2020s slowly opening up, with some bemusement.
—Maxie Younger, Pitchfork, 27 Mar. 2026
For all those reasons, there has been bemusement at Everton in the past over his relative lack of England recognition.
—Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
His newfound fame has proven to be a great source of both bemusement and validation for Cowan, who has been honing his craft in the background for years.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
Americans have been watching with bemusement the goings-on in New York City, where a new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, is promising democratic socialist policies including a plan to open city-run grocery stores.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 28 Jan. 2026
This bemusement reflects the burgeoning industry of instructional card, dice, and board games that sprang up in the late 1700s, partly in response to changing attitudes towards juvenile education outlined early on by the philosopher John Locke a century before.
—JSTOR Daily, 26 Nov. 2025
The series offers Whitford his latest opportunity to express general bemusement with the American political process, this time sporting a bushy white beard, and Whigham his latest opportunity to be an uncouth bull in an otherwise genteel china shop.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2025
At one point, Gwen prays to Jesus for help, much to the bemusement (and adoration) of Ernesto.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Now a quarter century into a career largely characterized by mystique and a seeming avoidance of the public eye, Atobe has spent the better part of the 2020s slowly opening up, with some bemusement.
—Maxie Younger, Pitchfork, 27 Mar. 2026
For all those reasons, there has been bemusement at Everton in the past over his relative lack of England recognition.
—Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
His newfound fame has proven to be a great source of both bemusement and validation for Cowan, who has been honing his craft in the background for years.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
Americans have been watching with bemusement the goings-on in New York City, where a new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, is promising democratic socialist policies including a plan to open city-run grocery stores.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 28 Jan. 2026
This bemusement reflects the burgeoning industry of instructional card, dice, and board games that sprang up in the late 1700s, partly in response to changing attitudes towards juvenile education outlined early on by the philosopher John Locke a century before.
—JSTOR Daily, 26 Nov. 2025
The series offers Whitford his latest opportunity to express general bemusement with the American political process, this time sporting a bushy white beard, and Whigham his latest opportunity to be an uncouth bull in an otherwise genteel china shop.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2025
At one point, Gwen prays to Jesus for help, much to the bemusement (and adoration) of Ernesto.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bemusement
Noun
-
Invite someone in, agree on a clear next step, and follow through together so momentum builds without confusion or mixed signals.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Apr. 2026
-
After shooting, there was initial confusion as to what had happened before journalists were able to reach their news outlets to report the details of what unfolded.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
These sensors enable real-time monitoring across a wide range of conditions, including low light, fog, and obstructed environments, while onboard AI and machine-learning classifiers help identify and flag potential threats.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Apr. 2026
-
His 2025 tape, WOMB, embodied this through his pensive grumbles over wispy vocal chops; each bar that cut through the fog was steeped in sober gravitas.—
Olivier Lafontant,
Pitchfork,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Mac Wilkins stepped into the discus ring that afternoon in a state of bewilderment.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
17 Apr. 2026
-
The Front Page Highlights As the war in Iran extends into its seventh week and a truce feels increasingly shaky, many Americans expressed bewilderment about a conflict that came with little warning.—
Ruth Igielnik Jake Michaels Motoko Rich Thomas Fuller,
New York Times,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Bemusement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bemusement. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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