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
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of perplexed
Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Kingsbury seemed perplexed in November when a reporter asked about his offenses failing to sustain fast starts during a season.
—Mike Sando, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
Jacob Bernstein joins us to discuss the story that has riveted—and perplexed—Hollywood.
—Air Mail, 29 Mar. 2025
Despite this return, her limited appearances on WWE television, consisting of only two matches, have left fans perplexed and curious about her current status.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplexed
Adjective
This was followed by a photo of Bronze, who was also wearing Crocs, holding another fish on the end of a line and looking a little perplexed.
—Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Kingsbury seemed perplexed in November when a reporter asked about his offenses failing to sustain fast starts during a season.
—Mike Sando, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
Jacob Bernstein joins us to discuss the story that has riveted—and perplexed—Hollywood.
—Air Mail, 29 Mar. 2025
Despite this return, her limited appearances on WWE television, consisting of only two matches, have left fans perplexed and curious about her current status.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplexed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplexed
Adjective
-
Chasing perfection this offseason required Webb to tweak the pitch that, ironically, most baffled hitters.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
26 Mar. 2025
-
Surrounding the headliners are grumpy arena security, who spend the night wearing baffled expressions watching a sea of adults cheer and laugh and applaud over imaginary characters engaged in battles no one can actually see, and rolls of acrylic dice just 16 millimeters in size.—
Eric Francisco,
Rolling Stone,
1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The actor—who is also currently filming season three of Euphoria—took the time to walk the wide-eyed and probably quite bewildered pup around the carpeted front of the hotel, and looked chic doing it.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
7 May 2025
-
Heyman then handed the chair to a bewildered Roman Reigns, who used it to strike downed CM Punk.—
Tom Rogers,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Apr. 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
-
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 20 May. 2025.
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