as in baffled
faced with difficulty or uncertainty about what to say, think, or do
the convoluted instructions for calibrating a high-definition television will leave many consumers utterly perplexed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in complicated
to make complex or difficult
let's not perplex the issue further with irrelevant concerns
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in puzzled
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
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Recent Examples of perplexed
Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
The ruling followed a tense hearing last week during which Wilson grilled Keenan, appearing increasingly perplexed at the government’s logic in offering Kirk a deal.
—Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
The scientific community, equally perplexed, largely ignored the paper for more than a decade.
—Siddhartha Mukherjee, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
The trade stunned the sport, perplexed rival executives and devastated Bostonians.
—Andy McCullough, New York Times, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplexed
Adjective
Viewers on TikTok were amazed by the finding in the viral clip, with several perplexed by what the previous owners covered the floor with.
—Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
The ruling followed a tense hearing last week during which Wilson grilled Keenan, appearing increasingly perplexed at the government’s logic in offering Kirk a deal.
—Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
The scientific community, equally perplexed, largely ignored the paper for more than a decade.
—Siddhartha Mukherjee, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
The trade stunned the sport, perplexed rival executives and devastated Bostonians.
—Andy McCullough, New York Times, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplexed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplexed
Adjective
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And finally, a baffled daughter-in-law shared that her mother-in-law took it upon herself to write directly on their back door—with a green pen.—
Cameron Schoppa
Alex Backus,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 July 2025
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But its favorite mood, by far, is one of mild titillation, which arises whenever something slightly out of the ordinary occurs—a ball flies into the crowd, a baffled bird pecks at the service line, a champagne cork enters the field of play—and a burr of chatter rips round the court.—
Sam Knight,
New Yorker,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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In an Instagram reel, what started as a serene cuddle session between a dog and its owner quickly became a funny surprise, leaving viewers both laughing and tearing up at the canine's bewildered reaction.—
Maria Morava,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 July 2025
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Europe, broke and bewildered, will have a choice: follow suit or fade into irrelevance and bankruptcy.—
Rachel Marsden,
Hartford Courant,
27 July 2025
Verb
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Many people get confused by these forms which contain code and jargon that rarely offer a clear explanation of anything.—
Steve Weisman,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
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Not to be confused with DEI training, skill building is a way to help people improve their communication skills, negotiation style and overall understanding of relevant topics, all while leveling up professionally.—
Doug Melville,
Forbes,
21 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Perplexed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perplexed. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.
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