as in to perplex
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
an actor who's easily flummoxed by any changes in the script
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Recent Examples of flummox
The event precipitated a massive response that plunged the region into chaos and left world leaders flummoxed by its ricochet.
—
Philip Elliott, TIME, 15 Jan. 2025
The former appears somewhat flummoxed by his material, guessing as to what kind of comic energy or tone would work.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025
Rutherford makes Agathe appear at once hypervigilant and flummoxed, and perhaps this is the truest Austen touch in the movie.
—Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 21 May 2025
The narrative of the elder statesman finding something deep within to try and flummox the young buck is gripping.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for flummox
Philip Elliott, TIME, 15 Jan. 2025
The former appears somewhat flummoxed by his material, guessing as to what kind of comic energy or tone would work.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025
Rutherford makes Agathe appear at once hypervigilant and flummoxed, and perhaps this is the truest Austen touch in the movie.
—Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 21 May 2025
The narrative of the elder statesman finding something deep within to try and flummox the young buck is gripping.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for flummox
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flummox
Verb
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The stock comeback of the last two months has perplexed many investors, who remain befuddled by the market's insistence to look past conflict, tariffs and major challenges to the economic outlook, to make short work of recovering losses from their April lows.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
20 June 2025
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That wasn't enough to heal Carol's injury, however, leaving her owner perplexed about how to help the pup.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 June 2025
Verb
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Lynskey says she’s been bewildered by the fans who’ve directed online vitriol at Shauna this season, while seemingly forgiving the sins of Shauna’s husband Jeff (Warren Cole) and the heinous crimes committed by Misty (Christina Ricci).—
Todd Longwell,
Variety,
2 June 2025
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Both were bewildered by this fashion design travesty.—
Sherry Kuehl,
Kansas City Star,
13 May 2025
Verb
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When Burrell wasn’t tapped to join the show’s 28th season in January — after playing a central role in the first 27 — viewers were appalled and even Burrell was baffled.—
Joseph Wilkinson,
New York Daily News,
18 June 2025
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Many bat species live for 20 to 40 years, in the wild or in captivity, baffling scientists.—
Jenny Lehmann,
Discover Magazine,
17 June 2025
Verb
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Map their journey to spot every gap, make buying effortless with fewer steps, communicate clearly so no one gets confused, add personal touches that create connection, and follow up fast to turn buyers into advocates.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
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Letters: Washington, D.C., has a deficit of humanity Do not confuse my warning to Israel for a shred of understanding for what Hamas did on Oct. 7, 2023.—
Thomas L. Friedman,
Mercury News,
14 June 2025
Verb
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But when their daughter Abby was born months later, the couple were both shocked and puzzled.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 June 2025
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And a slightly surreal, fantastical closing scene is puzzling and pretentious rather than provocative.—
Stephen Farber,
HollywoodReporter,
16 June 2025
Verb
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Kershaw befuddled the Dodgers’ biggest rival yet again, firing seven scoreless innings in an 11-5 victory on Saturday night that evened the first series of the season between the longtime foes.—
Doug Padilla,
Oc Register,
14 June 2025
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Pochettino looked befuddled at his players’ casual approach in losses to Panama and Canada last month.—
Felipe Cardenas,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Flummox.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flummox. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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