What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bemusement
Example
The magician's trick left the audience in bemusement. [bemusement: noun]
Example
She looked at him with bemusement, unsure of what he was talking about. [bemusement: noun]
puzzlement
Example
He scratched his head in puzzlement, trying to figure out the answer. [puzzlement: noun]
Example
Her expression showed puzzlement as she tried to comprehend the complex instructions. [puzzlement: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Puzzlement is more commonly used than bemusement in everyday language. Puzzlement is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while bemusement is less common and refers to a specific type of confusion mixed with amusement.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bemusement and puzzlement?
While bemusement is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, puzzlement can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
