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
That none of this has ever been clear to Gisèle is perplexing even to her.
—
Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 20 Feb. 2026
While initially perplexing to the Messers and other anglers, some now believe this was part of Phillips’ long con.
—Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 19 Feb. 2026
She also was perplexed at the city’s inaction while noting a new leader offers a fresh perspective.
—Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 13 Feb. 2026
The moment became viral on social media, with some X users perplexed at the interview.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for perplex
Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 20 Feb. 2026
While initially perplexing to the Messers and other anglers, some now believe this was part of Phillips’ long con.
—Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 19 Feb. 2026
She also was perplexed at the city’s inaction while noting a new leader offers a fresh perspective.
—Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 13 Feb. 2026
The moment became viral on social media, with some X users perplexed at the interview.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for perplex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplex
Verb
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Right now, marketers are still trying to get a read on how economic conditions may shake out, and there won’t be much clarity in the ad market until budgets are registered—a process that itself will be complicated by the ongoing geopolitical upheavals.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
3 Apr. 2026
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Another complicating factor is software.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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There aren’t many ways to earn a club’s first win better than bewildering the league’s defending champions at their place.—
Braidon Nourse,
Denver Post,
26 Mar. 2026
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Now, many millions of Americans are bewildered by events.—
David French,
Mercury News,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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His disaffection baffles his acquaintances and pains his tubercular wife (a superb Quinn Jackson), whose doctor (Lambert Tamin) has only contempt for her husband’s agonizing.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
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The Late Show host appeared genuinely baffled by the president’s current poll numbers during his opening monologue on Tuesday, mostly due to the 22 percent of Americans who are still throwing their support behind the 79-year-old former reality star.—
Emlyn Travis,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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And when that happens, Jamahl Mosley — a good coach and an even better man — will be the fall guy for a team that is embarrassing itself on a national scale and getting exposed in the league standings.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 Apr. 2026
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The very existence of Tisch’s relationship and conversations with Epstein, which are not in dispute, should be enough to embarrass the NFL.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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As if that wasn’t confusing enough, not all Christians agree on what day of the calendar that specific Sunday is.—
Manon Bischoff,
Scientific American,
4 Apr. 2026
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This was not to be confused with the Ulster Volunteer Force or the Ulster Defence Association, both terrorist organizations that vehemently favored the link with Britain.—
Colm Tóibín,
The New York Review of Books,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Given its history, Larkin might seem a puzzling choice to partner with a state agency charged with protecting elders who cannot care for themselves.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
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This gap has puzzled researchers for years.—
Rhonda Winegar,
The Conversation,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Perplex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perplex. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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