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

Here are some things to keep in mind the next time you're perplexed by a tip screen: Location matters. —Mansee Khurana, NPR, 4 Apr. 2024

The White House viewed the cancelation as an overreaction and the move has perplexed US officials. Video Ad Feedback 01:26 - Source: CNN 4. —Alexandra Banner, CNN, 26 Mar. 2024

In the meantime, one thing is certain, the mysteries that veil this exciting Javanese site will continue to perplex and capture the imaginations of future generations to come. —Discover Staff, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2024

The Biden administration says it is perplexed by Israel's objection to the U.N. resolution. —Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 26 Mar. 2024

Biden has not called Netanyahu and has no plans to do so, the official said, adding that the White House is perplexed by the Israeli prime minister's assertion that the U.S. had changed its policy. —Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 25 Mar. 2024

Elsewhere in the commercial, the Beckhams can’t remember the name of Victoria’s formative band (Basil Babes?) and Jelly Roll is perplexed by the tattoos on his face. —Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2024

When Ortiz and her now-husband first told their friends they were getting married at a Taco Bell they were perplexed. —Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 28 Dec. 2023

Many founders who pour their passion, creativity and expertise into crafting exceptional products may be perplexed by lukewarm market responses or lackluster sales. —Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024

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

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