What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bemusing
Example
The magician's tricks were bemusing, leaving the audience wondering how he did them. [bemusing: adjective]
Example
The abstract painting was quite bemusing, as it was difficult to interpret its meaning. [bemusing: gerund or present participle]
bewildering
Example
The instructions for assembling the furniture were bewildering, with no clear steps or diagrams. [bewildering: adjective]
Example
The plot of the movie was so bewildering that I couldn't follow what was happening. [bewildering: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bewildering is more commonly used than bemusing in everyday language. Bewildering is often used to describe situations or experiences that are highly confusing or complex. Bemusing, while less common, is used to describe something that is both amusing and confusing.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between bemusing and bewildering?
Both bemusing and bewildering can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, bewildering may be more commonly used in formal writing or when describing complex situations, while bemusing is more likely to be used in casual conversations or when discussing something entertaining.
