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
For years, astronomers have been perplexed by this particular supermassive black hole, a behemoth as large as a million suns in a distant galaxy.
—
Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2025
That perplexes longtime industry researchers such as Ed Altman, a professor emeritus at New York University’s Stern School of Business.
—Rob Copeland, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024
Late last year, Home Alone director Chris Columbus weighed in on a question that had perplexed viewers of the iconic 1990 film for decades: just what did the McCallisters do for work in order to afford that house?
—Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025
Some users on TikTok were perplexed and unaware of the blunder, while others could relate to the poster's frustration.
—Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplex
Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2025
That perplexes longtime industry researchers such as Ed Altman, a professor emeritus at New York University’s Stern School of Business.
—Rob Copeland, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024
Late last year, Home Alone director Chris Columbus weighed in on a question that had perplexed viewers of the iconic 1990 film for decades: just what did the McCallisters do for work in order to afford that house?
—Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025
Some users on TikTok were perplexed and unaware of the blunder, while others could relate to the poster's frustration.
—Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplex
Verb
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The questions were as straightforward as the technicalities were complicated: how should Gaza be governed and reconstructed after the Israel-Hamas war is over, without having to resort to ethnic cleansing?—
Daniel DePetris,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2025
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The love triangle is already complicated by the intrusive memories of Mark’s outie, who is pining after the specter of his dead wife, Gemma (Dichen Lachman), but the situation reaches unprecedented messiness after Helena Eagan tracks down Mark’s outie in a restaurant and flirts with him.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Unenlightened of the brownie’s incredible taste, I was bewildered by the perfect combination of these three types of chocolate.—
Mia Leimkuhler,
New York Times,
22 Feb. 2025
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The appeal bewilders attorneys for the 300,000 plaintiffs who each missed out on $3,000 when DeWine cut off the benefits in June 2021 — 10 weeks before they were set to expire.—
Sam Allard,
Axios,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
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New Demands On Leaders Many leaders feel particularly isolated and baffled by the demands of the post-Covid workplace.—
Edward Doherty,
Forbes,
20 Feb. 2025
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Willian left one year into his three-year deal with everyone concerned baffled that the whole experience was so deflating.—
Amy Lawrence,
The Athletic,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The rest would sooner expect the AfD to embarrass Germany than to save it.—
Simon Shuster/Berlin,
TIME,
22 Feb. 2025
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The rapper has famously pressed people (and embarrassed them) regarding giving him monies owed on social media.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Not to be confused with New Zealand musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
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Along those lines, a settlement should not be confused with a collective bargaining agreement, which pro teams and unionized employees extinguish or mollify a broader range of potential claims.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Further homages to the local area come via a brickwork pattern called Flemish bond that is a familiar sight on homes and buildings across Wrexham, plus the one feature that has left some supporters puzzled — the five uneven monolith-style blocks of brick that make up the exterior.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
The Athletic,
14 Feb. 2025
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Jimmie Johnson was left out, which Alex Bowman found puzzling.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
12 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Perplex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perplex. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
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