perplexed

adjective

per·​plexed pər-ˈplekst 

1

: filled with uncertainty : puzzled

2

: full of difficulty

perplexedly

pər-ˈplek-səd-lē  -ˈplekst-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• baffled
• confounded
• hard put
• hard-pressed
• nonplussed
• nonplused

Example Sentences

He gave her a perplexed look.

The explanation left me thoroughly perplexed.

Recent Examples on the Web

New Insight on a North American Fairy Lantern Among the mysteries of Thismia, one species, Thismia americana, has a puzzling distribution pattern that has long perplexed botanists—but the new discovery appears to reveal some clues. —Melissa Breyer, Treehugger, 27 Feb. 2023

Words alone cannot express my perplexed admiration for this legislative piece of legerdemain. —Robert G. Eccles, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2023

When asked how live rounds could have made their way onto the Rust set, Fox remained perplexed. —Chris Lee, Vulture, 30 Nov. 2021

First-time homeowners as well as seasoned gardeners, including those who embrace native plants, can become perplexed and overwhelmed. —Jennifer Rude Klett, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 16 Sep. 2021

While casually applauding next to her seatmate Chris Messina, Garner suddenly stopped, her facial expression going from neutral to totally perplexed. —Jackie Frere, Redbook, 5 Mar. 2018

The Verge’s Jay Peters, who spent the day toying with Netflix’s new tier, reported that shows and movies displayed an inconsistent number of ads that left him a bit perplexed. —Jacob Carpenter, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2022

But while the study has shown that numbers can quantify feelings, researchers are still a bit perplexed as to why estimates of seemingly subjective feelings can be such good predictors of future actions. —Sara Novak, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2022

Carvel, a bit perplexed, was fine with that but asked why. —Andrew Mahoney, BostonGlobe.com, 30 June 2022

See More

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1