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
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of perplexed
Randy Myers, Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2026
Billie looks perplexed, but clearly Joe is working on Irene somehow, as Irene is hanging on his every word.
—Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Apr. 2026
Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Mar. 2026
Their presence prompted nervousness among beachgoers and surfers sharing the water, but marveled researchers who were perplexed by the abnormally longer stay close to shore.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for perplexed
Adjective
Levy masters one hilarious perplexed comedic reaction after another as Nicky, a closeted pastor with a zany, highly dysfunctional family.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2026
Billie looks perplexed, but clearly Joe is working on Irene somehow, as Irene is hanging on his every word.
—Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
The Fifty Shades of Grey actress was perplexed.
—Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Mar. 2026
Their presence prompted nervousness among beachgoers and surfers sharing the water, but marveled researchers who were perplexed by the abnormally longer stay close to shore.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for perplexed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplexed
Adjective
-
Glaser, no doubt like many viewers, seemed a little baffled when the Swift songs dried up, and Idol had to pad out the rest of the episode with songs themed around California.—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Not outraged but baffled, curious Kaho tries to find out his hidden message.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But a fascinating 1998 study published in the International Journal of Primatology complicated this explanation.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
-
According to the Cleveland Clinic, 5 to 8 percent of births in the United States are complicated by preeclampsia and related hypertensive disorders.—
Tina Sturdevant,
New York Times,
10 May 2026
Verb
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Beata Siemionkowicz's immigration case has puzzled her family and experts.—
Sabrina Franza,
CBS News,
7 May 2026
-
What appears to be an outbreak of hantavirus on a ship anchored near the tiny mid-Atlantic nation of Cabo Verde has infectious diseases experts puzzled.—
Theresa Gaffney,
STAT,
5 May 2026
Adjective
-
Everyone was so relieved to see how bewildered everyone else was that the feeling in this place was almost festive.—
James Wood,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
Numerous cryptocurrency novices become bewildered by intricate decals and fluctuating percentages.—
Malana VanTyler,
Miami Herald,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
That this series has flipped on its head seemed almost impossible last Sunday, when the Celtics embarrassed Philadelphia in a Game 4 win on the Sixers’ home floor.—
Tobias Bass,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
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The Mets were embarrassed by the Washington Nationals in an 14-2 blowout to even up the series at one game apiece.—
James O'Connell,
New York Daily News,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
At first, Liza Ginette was distraught and confused at her children’s silence.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
10 May 2026
-
The red, purple or sometimes gold root vegetable — not to be confused with its white cousin, the sugar beet — is low-calorie and packed with nutrients and compounds linked to benefits, ranging from brain health to athletic performance.—
Teresa Mull,
FOXNews.com,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
Many consumers remain confused and somewhat nonplussed with the brand.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
12 May 2026
-
Not that everyone seems nonplussed.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Perplexed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perplexed. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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