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
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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
Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for perplexed
Adjective
Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images Clarkson hinted at not liking three drivers on the grid, which left Brundle quite perplexed and didn't press the reality TV star on who those drivers were.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for perplexed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplexed
Adjective
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Scientific experts who constantly monitor the Earth's rotation seem a bit baffled and amused that a few slightly more-speedy-than-normal spins this summer have captured the public's imagination.—
Nell Greenfieldboyce,
NPR,
22 July 2025
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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
Adjective
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Olivia, bewildered and frightened, runs to the vast body of Tierra del Fuego to look for him.—
Jason Liwag,
Variety,
14 Aug. 2025
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Whites, bewildered and self-righteous, would find their way to Reagan.—
CalMatters,
Mercury News,
8 Aug. 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 28 Aug. 2025.
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