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 Just silence and forlorn stares of players stuck in a state of bafflement and disappointment. — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 8 Dec. 2025 Internally, the Bulls coaching staff has reached a point of bafflement with the forward. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 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 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 There are black-and-white scenes from what appears to be a cracked Biblical drama featuring a levitating monk and, to the particular bafflement of the producer, a dancing Pulcinella. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025 The result is an incredible repository of vexations, bafflements, witticisms, and brilliancies. — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bafflement
  1. confusion
  2. fog
  3. bewilderment
  4. perplexity
Noun
  • Even though talks with the Boston Red Sox at last year’s deadline never got close, the confusion provided by an incorrect tweet announcing Ryan’s trade to New England put the pitcher at the top of every trade list before the season even began.
    — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 6 July 2026
  • There have been confusion and contradictions in the lead up to the visit over accommodation arrangements for the Sussex family.
    — Max Foster, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Definition of confusion
Noun
  • When Ian Happ made the final out of the frame, the umpires convened and called a delay, a rare stoppage because of the fog-shrouded Wrigley Field.
    — Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Dense fog shrouded the Golden Gate Bridge and masked the city's fireworks display.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of fog
Noun
  • There was bewilderment, also, at the failure of the referee to get any kind of grip or control over the Paraguayan antics.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • And Bericoto, to the bewilderment of everyone, put his head down and started jogging to second, apparently thinking Haase had struck out.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 30 June 2026
Definition of bewilderment
Noun
  • The first weeks were a roller coaster of pleasure and perplexity.
    — Tim Parks, New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Oklo exemplifies both the promise and the perplexity associated with the rebirth of nuclear power.
    — Bob Woods, CNBC, 9 Nov. 2025
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 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bafflement

Nglish: Translation of bafflement for Spanish Speakers

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