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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of perplex
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
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
The randomness of his attacks and methods left authorities perplexed — and allowed Ramirez to escape capture for more than a year.
—Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 7 June 2025
With appetites for true crime documentaries seemingly insatiable, some viewers will be perplexed and even frustrated at how the directors don’t want to play investigative reporter or detective.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplex
Sarah Min, CNBC, 20 June 2025
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
The randomness of his attacks and methods left authorities perplexed — and allowed Ramirez to escape capture for more than a year.
—Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 7 June 2025
With appetites for true crime documentaries seemingly insatiable, some viewers will be perplexed and even frustrated at how the directors don’t want to play investigative reporter or detective.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplex
Verb
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Politicians often trap themselves in narratives during campaigns that go on to complicate their efforts to govern.—
Colin Pascal,
Baltimore Sun,
17 July 2025
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China imposes restrictions on EV technology exports China imposed new restrictions on the export of electric-vehicle technology, a move that will complicate efforts by Chinese battery makers to open factories in the US and Europe.—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
17 July 2025
Verb
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Still, my friends and I, specifically those who were teen-agers or older at the time of 9/11, have been bewildered by the Islamophobia of the moment, which feels especially vintage and plainspoken, not massaged into obfuscatory rhetoric or angling for any greater point.—
Hanif Abdurraqib,
New Yorker,
13 July 2025
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In the moment, Kyle looked bewildered that the musician had singled him out, smiling with his mouth open in shock.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
20 May 2025
Verb
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Money terms and concepts continue to baffle people, many of whom are seeking answers through online searches.—
Russ Wiles,
USA Today,
12 July 2025
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Even with the other guys' admonitions not to, under any circumstances, be themselves, Dee and Charlie's improbable success in charming these scions of the Philly upper crust had the guys — and us — both baffled and anxiously awaiting an ugly twist.—
Dennis Perkins,
EW.com,
10 July 2025
Verb
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Manager Luis Enrique's side then embarrassed Inter Miami 4-0 in the round of 16 and survived two late red cards vs. Bayern Munich to win that quarterfinal battle 2-0. PSG vs. Real Madrid Injury, Suspension, Lineup News: Both teams will be missing key pieces along their back lines today.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 July 2025
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The Nuggets, like the current Rockies, were embarrassing themselves regularly before posting an 11-71 record.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
5 July 2025
Verb
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Amazon $650 Samsung $650 Best Buy Not to be confused with the Galaxy S24 series, this midrange smartphone from late 2024 has some elements of the flagship phone, but makes some sacrifices to get the price down.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
11 July 2025
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O’Brien says his critics might be confused because of the novelty of his approach.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
10 July 2025
Verb
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The first set was particularly puzzling, with de Minaur breaking Djokovic’s serve three times to take a one-set lead in the match.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
7 July 2025
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Dutch Freiberger told The Republic at the time that he was puzzled by how his son could have walked to the quarry completely nude.—
Jose R. Gonzalez,
AZCentral.com,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Perplex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perplex. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
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