Synonym Chooser

How does the verb perplex differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of perplex are bewilder, confound, distract, dumbfound, nonplus, and puzzle. While all these words mean "to baffle and disturb mentally," perplex adds a suggestion of worry and uncertainty especially about making a necessary decision.

a behavior that perplexed her friends

In what contexts can bewilder take the place of perplex?

The words bewilder and perplex can be used in similar contexts, but bewilder stresses a confusion of mind that hampers clear and decisive thinking.

a bewildering number of possibilities

When can confound be used instead of perplex?

The synonyms confound and perplex are sometimes interchangeable, but confound implies temporary mental paralysis caused by astonishment or profound abasement.

the tragic news confounded us all

When is distract a more appropriate choice than perplex?

The meanings of distract and perplex largely overlap; however, distract implies agitation or uncertainty induced by conflicting preoccupations or interests.

distracted by personal problems

When would dumbfound be a good substitute for perplex?

While the synonyms dumbfound and perplex are close in meaning, 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

When is it sensible to use nonplus instead of perplex?

The words nonplus and perplex are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, nonplus implies a bafflement that makes orderly planning or deciding impossible.

the remark left us utterly nonplussed

Where would puzzle be a reasonable alternative to perplex?

Although the words puzzle and perplex have much in common, puzzle implies existence of a problem difficult to solve.

the persistent fever puzzled the doctor

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of perplex Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth perplexed and perturbed allies on his first visit to NATO by seemingly taking some of Ukraine's bargaining chips off the table before those talks began. Zachary Basu, Axios, 15 Feb. 2025 Pritzker’s roughly 10-minute interview followed a week when Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs roiled stock markets and left American investors, businesses and the nation’s trading partners perplexed about what the president is attempting to achieve. Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025 Curious onlookers can expect to catch a glimpse of the full moon's peak at 8:22 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on April 12, 2025, yet the lack of a rosy hue may leave many people perplexed. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025 However, Trump’s commitment to an economic agenda that prioritizes tariffs has left some investors perplexed. John Towfighi, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perplex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplex
Verb
  • But a simultaneous slowdown of the economy may complicate potential rate hikes, since high interest rates could worsen a downturn.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 8 May 2025
  • Odd intuitive hits complicate your productivity as the moon clashes with Neptune.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • These reactions are just the tip of the iceberg, as the football world continues to be bewildered at Sanders being available heading into the fourth round on Saturday.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Across the street, her husband Steve, who nursed Molly through her first fight with breast cancer a few years earlier, sits bewildered in the office of their couples therapist.
    Judy Berman, Time, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Since then, little information has surfaced, and the case continues to baffle investigators.
    Tommy McArdle, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • But even to those who had inside information, the Zimmermann note was baffling.
    Timothy W. Ryback, The Atlantic, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The goal isn’t to embarrass or dominate the other person.
    John Bowe, CNBC, 1 May 2025
  • This is not Carey's first time embarrassing her children.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • And when the series takes an occasional serious turn, you'll just be confused.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • However, simply getting older doesn’t equate to consistently missing bills or appointments, having a hard time speaking with people, or feeling lost or confused in places that are familiar to you.
    Alisa Hrustic, SELF, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Some of these economists' findings may be a bit puzzling to those who closely watch the Fed.
    Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Also puzzling is why the vehicle wasn't jettisoned with anti-aircraft guns and aircraft in an attempt to salvage the listing ship after it was damaged in the fighting.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perplex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perplex. Accessed 14 May. 2025.

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