1
as in to complicate
to make complex or difficult
let's not perplex the issue further with irrelevant concerns
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to bewilder
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
the question perplexed me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of perplex
Illston appeared frustrated and perplexed by the government's unwillingness to engage on the merits during the hearing.
—
Andrea Hsu, NPR, 15 Oct. 2025
Taylor is accustomed to playing forceful characters who have perplexing emotions about motherhood, and in A Thousand and One, Taylor earned her stripes as a performer and acclaim.
—Essence, 18 Sep. 2025
For nearly 20 years, astronomers have been perplexed by the strange disk of dust and debris circling Fomalhaut, a bright star just 25 light-years from Earth.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2025
Many historians have been perplexed by how such a seemingly simple man as Shakespeare could have written works of such grandeur and depth.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 30 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplex
Andrea Hsu, NPR, 15 Oct. 2025
Taylor is accustomed to playing forceful characters who have perplexing emotions about motherhood, and in A Thousand and One, Taylor earned her stripes as a performer and acclaim.
—Essence, 18 Sep. 2025
For nearly 20 years, astronomers have been perplexed by the strange disk of dust and debris circling Fomalhaut, a bright star just 25 light-years from Earth.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2025
Many historians have been perplexed by how such a seemingly simple man as Shakespeare could have written works of such grandeur and depth.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 30 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplex
Verb
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But the Supreme Court ruling and ongoing redistricting measures may complicate the political landscape even further.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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The aftermath of a ruling against him also could be complicated, if the government must issue refunds for the tariffs that had collected $195 billion in revenue as of September.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The canine, clearly confused, stared up, visibly bewildered and waiting patiently for the affection to finally land.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Oct. 2025
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Nandi is experiencing severe insomnia, tremors and psychosis, and her quickly deteriorating condition bewilders the emergency room staff.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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As if dark energy weren't already mysterious and baffling enough, new research suggests that this unknown force may not be driving galaxies apart at an accelerating rate anymore.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
6 Nov. 2025
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Played for comic relief, he is baffled by this son of his who attends college and, more perplexing yet, is suddenly obsessed with Italy and cycling.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Kardashian doesn’t embarrass herself, because her role doesn’t ask much of her to begin with.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
4 Nov. 2025
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Still, the former University of Miami standout did not want to be dealt, even publicly stating that just hours after the Dolphins’ embarrassing 28-6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The Farmers’ Almanac will be gone for good after its final 2026 edition, not to be confused with The Old Farmer's Almanac, a separate publication.—
Alex Perry,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Nov. 2025
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Blue Origin also launches New Shepard from Texas The New Glenn spacecraft is not to be confused with Blue Origin's much smaller New Shepard rocket that the company launches from West Texas on brief trips taking paying passengers high above Earth's atmosphere.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Her mysterious symptoms puzzled doctors, at least one of whom suggested the pain was psychosomatic.—
Sophie Dodd,
PEOPLE,
9 Nov. 2025
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Further study is also needed to untangle one puzzling finding.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Perplex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perplex. Accessed 25 Nov. 2025.
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