perplexed

1 of 2

adjective

per·​plexed pər-ˈplekst 

1

: filled with uncertainty : puzzled

2

: full of difficulty

perplexedly

pər-ˈplek-səd-lē  -ˈplekst-lē 

adverb

perplexed

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of perplex

Synonyms of perplexed

Adjective

• baffled
• bewildered
• embarrassed
• nonplussed

Examples of perplexed in a Sentence

Adjective

He gave her a perplexed look.

The explanation left me thoroughly perplexed.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The exact reason for the planet's unusual tilt has long perplexed astronomers, and debate continues over what might have led to its present-day appearance. — Micah Hanks, Space.com, 28 Sep. 2026

University leaders and state lawmakers from these rural Oklahoma are perplexed to find themselves in the crosshairs of this culture war issue. — Andrea Eger, Oklahoma Watch, 6 Sep. 2026

View this post on Instagram Many commenters were perplexed to see new content from Hilton’s account pop up. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026

Guides for the aesthetically perplexed have lost their meaning. — Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for perplexed

• ciphertext
• hypertext
• multiplexed
• teletext
• complexed
• deflexed
• plaintext
• pretext
• reflexed
• subtext
• flexed
• next