perplex

verb

per·​plex pər-ˈpleks 

perplexed; perplexing; perplexes

transitive verb

1

: to make unable to grasp something clearly or to think logically and decisively about something

her attitude perplexes me

a perplexing problem

2

: to make intricate or involved : complicate

Synonyms

• complex
• complexify
• complicate
• embarrass
• entangle
• sophisticate

Choose the Right Synonym for perplex

puzzle, perplex, bewilder, distract, nonplus, confound, dumbfound mean to baffle and disturb mentally.

puzzle implies existence of a problem difficult to solve.

the persistent fever puzzled the doctor

perplex adds a suggestion of worry and uncertainty especially about making a necessary decision.

a behavior that perplexed her friends

bewilder stresses a confusion of mind that hampers clear and decisive thinking.

a bewildering number of possibilities

distract implies agitation or uncertainty induced by conflicting preoccupations or interests.

distracted by personal problems

nonplus implies a bafflement that makes orderly planning or deciding impossible.

the remark left us utterly nonplussed

confound implies temporary mental paralysis caused by astonishment or profound abasement.

the tragic news confounded us all

dumbfound suggests intense but momentary confounding; often the idea of astonishment is so stressed that it becomes a near synonym of astound.

was at first too dumbfounded to reply

Examples of perplex in a Sentence

Questions about the meaning of life have always perplexed humankind.

let's not perplex the issue further with irrelevant concerns

Recent Examples on the Web

With appetites for true crime documentaries seemingly insatiable, some viewers will be perplexed and even frustrated at how the directors don’t want to play investigative reporter or detective. —Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 6 June 2025

They’re perplexed by the new arrival in their midst, but in time Laura and the lonely, unforthcoming Max warm to each other, and the four form an odd, intuitive family unit. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 17 May 2025

Science Photo Library/Getty Images Vaccine experts are perplexed by a project the Trump administration has launched to develop a universal flu vaccine, which has long been a goal, though an elusive one, in medical research. —Rob Stein, NPR, 13 May 2025

There was one final thing that left St John perplexed. —Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 11 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

obsolete perplex, adjective, involved, perplexed, from Latin perplexus, from per- thoroughly + plexus involved, from past participle of plectere to braid, twine — more at per-, ply

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for perplex

• annex
• annexe
• apex
• aztecs
• carex
• codecs
• codex
• convex
• cusecs
• duplex
• execs
• fedex

Kids Definition

perplex

verb

per·​plex pər-ˈpleks 

1

: to block the understanding of

especially : confuse sense 1a, bewilder

2

: to make difficult to understand : complicate

perplexed

-ˈplekst

adjective

perplexedly

-ˈplek-səd-lē

-ˈpleks-tlē

adverb