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
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 perplex
But there were also perplexing moments that punctured the gravitas of the event (even for an event built around hand-to-hand combat).
—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
15 June 2026
Aryna Sabalenka being asked to dance after defeating Naomi Osaka in the French Open has one former American tennis star perplexed.
—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
Democrats have been particularly perplexed given the state's top-two primary system, which places all candidates on a single ballot regardless of party.
—
ABC News,
27 May 2026
As Season 3 of Euphoria continues to stir up some controversy, one of the show’s stars is perplexed by Cassie’s (Sydney Sweeney) OnlyFans storyline.
—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for perplex
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
15 June 2026
Aryna Sabalenka being asked to dance after defeating Naomi Osaka in the French Open has one former American tennis star perplexed.
—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
Democrats have been particularly perplexed given the state's top-two primary system, which places all candidates on a single ballot regardless of party.
—
ABC News,
27 May 2026
As Season 3 of Euphoria continues to stir up some controversy, one of the show’s stars is perplexed by Cassie’s (Sydney Sweeney) OnlyFans storyline.
—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for perplex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplex
Verb
-
The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Washington area, which could complicate plans for fireworks displays, including the show the president will attend in Washington.
-
The family's plans have been complicated by ongoing security concerns.
Verb
-
For three years straight, he’s kept up a pace that bewilders the industry’s leading comics.
-
The narrator and his wife find that their attachment to the charismatic and cryptic Chibi grows with the cat’s increasing visits, in a way that bewilders them but somehow bonds them closer together.
Verb
-
The Chicago White Sox, a team many left for dead at the start of the year, embarrassed the Kansas City Royals Friday night, 22-1.
-
But combined with Disney‘s embarrassing The Mandalorian and Grogu influencer stunt that backfired, a movie’s first reactions on social media are increasingly being met with equal amounts of fan skepticism.
Verb
-
His focus on the voting bill, instead of signing one that tackles a top issue for voters, has left some GOP strategists baffled.
-
Keith played conservative social climber Margo Leadbetter, who is baffled by her neighbor Tom's sustainability-centric lifestyle with wife Barbara Good (Felicity Kendal).
Verb
-
The decision reverses a June 15 determination by Division of Elections Director Carol Beecher, who concluded the Petersburg resident's candidacy was intended to confuse voters rather than represent a legitimate campaign.
-
The senator and allies, including the National Republican Senatorial Committee, have condemned the challenger’s efforts to join the race, arguing his presence could confuse voters.
Verb
-
Pochettino seemed puzzled by the downcast tone of his post-match press conference.
-
Astronomers are puzzled that such a glaring inconsistency could have gone unnoticed in existing data, such as the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB), which provides our earliest snapshot of the universe.
Cite this Entry
“Perplex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perplex. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
