as in baffled
faced with difficulty or uncertainty about what to say, think, or do
the convoluted instructions for calibrating a high-definition television will leave many consumers utterly perplexed
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in complicated
to make complex or difficult
let's not perplex the issue further with irrelevant concerns
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in puzzled
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
the question perplexed me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of perplexed
Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 19 Dec. 2024
But something’s also got Kat looking very perplexed, and given that this is The Way Home, the mysterious source of her confusion could be anything from a time-travel twist to a relationship speedbump.
—Vlada Gelman, TVLine, 15 Dec. 2024
Well, prepare to be incredulous or at least a little perplexed.
—Clem Chambers, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
The American Kennel Club (AKC) highlights behaviors that can leave dogs seemingly perplexed, suggesting that dogs may experience something akin to confusion in certain situations.
—Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for perplexed 
Adjective
He’s likewise perplexed that heavy industry is to be entrusted with solving the climate crisis.
—Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 19 Dec. 2024
But something’s also got Kat looking very perplexed, and given that this is The Way Home, the mysterious source of her confusion could be anything from a time-travel twist to a relationship speedbump.
—Vlada Gelman, TVLine, 15 Dec. 2024
Well, prepare to be incredulous or at least a little perplexed.
—Clem Chambers, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
The American Kennel Club (AKC) highlights behaviors that can leave dogs seemingly perplexed, suggesting that dogs may experience something akin to confusion in certain situations.
—Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for perplexed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplexed
Adjective
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Now, a development that once baffled educators and administrators is ready to go mainstream.—
Lexi Lonas Cochran,
The Hill,
31 Dec. 2024
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Other stories explore similar themes in equally bizarre situations: In 1880s London, a very suave Joseph Merrick, aka The Elephant Man, flirts shamelessly with the smitten wife of his very baffled doctor (Goldsberry and Kind, respectively).—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
22 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Yes, Sam Darnold looked bewildered against Detroit in the regular season finale, and that conjures all sorts of lingering doubts.—
Jordan Brenner,
The Athletic,
10 Jan. 2025
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The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore brought different weapons to this cute fight: bobcat Kilgore and otter Brie, both seeming a little bewildered by the powder that surrounded them today.—
NBC News,
NBC News,
7 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Many people get confused by these forms which contain code and jargon that rarely offer a clear explanation of anything.—
Steve Weisman,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
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Many were left confused as to how or why the Yankees couldn't have matched that number to bring the Gold Glove first baseman to the Bronx.—
Gord Magill,
Newsweek,
21 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near perplexed
Cite this Entry
“Perplexed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perplexed. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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