perplexity

noun

per·​plex·​i·​ty pər-ˈplek-sə-tē 

plural perplexities

1

: the state of being perplexed : bewilderment

2

: something that perplexes

3

: entanglement

Synonyms

• bafflement
• bamboozlement
• befuddlement
• bemusement
• bewilderedness
• bewilderment
• confusedness
• confusion
• discombobulation
• distraction
• fog
• head-scratching
• maze [chiefly dialect]
• muddle
• mystification
• puzzlement
• tangle
• whirl

Examples of perplexity in a Sentence

There was a look of perplexity on his face.

He stared at her in perplexity.

We will never solve all of the perplexities of life.

Recent Examples on the Web

This story is one of many that showcase the perplexities that encompass being a mother and a human raising other humans, which is not a small task. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 10 Apr. 2025

Doing so nine days since the transfer portal opened on March 24 only adds to the perplexity. —Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 2025

Sleep—which, when things go well, consumes a third of our lives—poses two opposed existential perplexities. —Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025

The performances, too, are more likenesses than full characterizations, which, admittedly, is wholly in keeping with the perplexities being dramatized. —Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English perplexite, from Middle French perplexité, from Late Latin perplexitat-, perplexitas, from Latin perplexus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for perplexity

• complexity
• convexity

Kids Definition

perplexity

noun

per·​plex·​i·​ty pər-ˈplek-sət-ē 

plural perplexities

1

: the state of being perplexed : bewilderment

2

: something that perplexes