1
as in to complicate
to make complex or difficult
let's not perplex the issue further with irrelevant concerns
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to bewilder
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
the question perplexed me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of perplex
Having witnessed Axel's affection firsthand, Ollie's staff members are perplexed that the pup hasn't found his forever home, despite searching for an adopter for over a year.
—
Kelli Bender, People.com, 15 Aug. 2025
The criminal justice system In early April, a man failed to show up for his pretrial conference in Canyon County, perplexing his lawyer.
—Idaho Statesman, 11 Aug. 2025
The revelation perplexed Wall Street traders, who had expected bullion to be exempt from duties.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2025
Equally, local business leaders and economists have been perplexed by the fact that the tariffs have been calculated on the back of a trade deficit that was skewed by the export of gold – the deficit is now a surplus.
—Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplex
Kelli Bender, People.com, 15 Aug. 2025
The criminal justice system In early April, a man failed to show up for his pretrial conference in Canyon County, perplexing his lawyer.
—Idaho Statesman, 11 Aug. 2025
The revelation perplexed Wall Street traders, who had expected bullion to be exempt from duties.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2025
Equally, local business leaders and economists have been perplexed by the fact that the tariffs have been calculated on the back of a trade deficit that was skewed by the export of gold – the deficit is now a surplus.
—Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplex
Verb
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During this time of year, tropical activity tends to develop in the Caribbean or Gulf, rather than near Africa, which also complicates response efforts, Francis said.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
10 Sep. 2025
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However, the current crop of general-purpose humanoids tends to target moderate loads, similar to an average person, because higher payloads complicate balance and actuator sizing.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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And aren’t our real-life romantic complications bewildering enough?—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
4 Sep. 2025
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Its ginormous investments in higher-value, tech-heavy sectors from smartphones to autos to semiconductors to biotechnology are disrupting the global landscape at bewildering speed.—
William Pesek,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The result is a set of policies that has baffled some China experts, or at least raised questions about the president’s stance on America’s friendly rival.—
Christian Datoc,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
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In the last few years, researchers have stumbled upon baffling signals from deep space, uncovered strange features hiding beneath our oceans, and found clues that hint at life’s secrets on other worlds.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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We wouldn’t be embarrassed by it, nor would the audience.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
12 Sep. 2025
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What People Are Saying Maritime analysts have weighed in on the nature reserve declaration, with some linking it to the August 11 collision that embarrassed Beijing.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Yes, God confuses the language and scatters everyone, thereby creating linguistic and cultural diversity.—
John Fugelsang
September 12,
Literary Hub,
12 Sep. 2025
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At one point, O’Steen was confused by a question, and the resulting back-and-forth was reminiscent of an Abbott and Costello repartee.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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When Amy Astley became editor-in-chief of Architectural Digest in 2016, many in the design world were puzzled.—
Jane Hanson,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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Staying away from puzzling lines like this is typically the best move.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Perplex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perplex. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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