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 This abrupt conclusion to their title reign left many fans perplexed, questioning the logic behind their initial victory. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025 There's also an optical illusions section that can be fun for children who like to be perplexed. Anna Halkidis, Parents, 19 Apr. 2025 But that doesn’t change the fact that players seem to be consistently perplexed by their own ball flight. Gabby Herzig, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025 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 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
  • Some were baffled by Perry’s dancing and said the show looked cheap.
    Courtney Lane, Kansas City Star, 11 May 2025
  • The complexities of her character mirrored in her stony, resentful stare, in her grim, unforgiving mouth, will always baffle and enthrall.
    E.R. Zarevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 May 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
  • While no one should ever have confused the entertainment business with a warm binkie, the institutions themselves are in the new and awkward spot of having to justify their existence.
    Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 12 May 2025
  • All of the footage from The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon makes the show-within-a-show look silly, which the series confuses with humorousness.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • That drop has puzzled the Dodgers and the right-hander alike.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 14 May 2025
  • Listen to this article In 2023, Warner Bros. Discovery merged HBO Max and Discovery+ into a single streaming app called Max, with the puzzling decision to remove the HBO from the streaming app’s brand.
    Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perplex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perplex. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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