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 of perplex

• complicate
• complex
• embarrass

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

And Wednesday’s doubleheader — thanks to a Monday rainout that perplexed Counsell — certainly didn’t help the pitching staff. — Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026

Sometimes those editing swings make sense, like incorporating more social-media posts and group chats, but other times the stylistic choices simply perplex. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 25 June 2026

None of this is meant to demean Byram, who’ll likely now face extra scrutiny from a fanbase that’s surely perplexed by this move, especially once the Blackhawks extend his contract, possibly to the $10 million range. — Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 24 June 2026

Many are perplexed by the decision to partner with Target given the boycott taking place due to the company’s rollback of DEI initiatives. — Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

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