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
Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Zahn is a master at non-verbal incredulity, and Coach Hudson’s perplexed patience in the face of Chad’s weirdness is never not entertaining.
—Kristen Baldwin, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Sep. 2025
David Clarey, jsonline.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Brewers owner Bud Selig, who would later become MLB commissioner, was perplexed at how a team could win 13 straight in April and then lose 12 straight in May.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplexed
Adjective
The video, which captures Chester’s perplexed stare at the multilevel structure, was shared by his owners, Karys and Max.
—Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Zahn is a master at non-verbal incredulity, and Coach Hudson’s perplexed patience in the face of Chad’s weirdness is never not entertaining.
—Kristen Baldwin, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
Norman is perplexed by shootings like this.
—David Clarey, jsonline.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Brewers owner Bud Selig, who would later become MLB commissioner, was perplexed at how a team could win 13 straight in April and then lose 12 straight in May.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplexed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplexed
Adjective
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Despite Banks’ enthusiasm, commenters were left baffled.—
Sabrina Weiss,
PEOPLE,
7 Oct. 2025
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The clear stance that the club has spent every available penny of their PSR allowance left many baffled, but the club’s accounts over the coming years will reveal all.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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For context, the woman, who identifies herself as a 26-year-old with three siblings, explained that the family dynamic has always been complicated.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
18 Oct. 2025
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Amezcua, the mayor, said the raids have complicated local policing and rendered parents afraid to pick up their children from school.—
J. David McSwane,
ProPublica,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
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As my children both turned toward me, puzzled at my silence, the last three decades unfurled.—
Sofía Pereda,
USA Today,
13 Oct. 2025
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How asteroids get their spin In recent decades, astronomers have been puzzled by why some asteroids rotate like spinning tops while others tumble through space in chaotic, unpredictable ways.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Wounded and bewildered, Theresa vows—silently—never to have that feeling again, never to be at anyone else’s mercy.—
Hilton Als,
New Yorker,
13 Oct. 2025
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As Friday’s stabbing incident involving NFL alum Mark Sanchez slowly comes into focus, the team at Fox Sports seems to be just as bewildered as the rest of us.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Revolution provided a brief scare through a 59th-minute goal from Dor Turgeman, who embarrassed a defender before curling home a spectacular effort, but Inter Miami broke the tie almost immediately after the strike that made the score 2-1.—
Franco Panizo,
Miami Herald,
5 Oct. 2025
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Me, a beautiful and clever five-time Emmy-winning writer with a few Wednesday nights free, and The Golden Bachelor, a heartwarming and adorable exploration of women’s second acts with a male doofus at the center who has already embarrassed himself.—
Ali Barthwell,
Vulture,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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While some players confused her lyrics for other pop powerhouses', others showed off their Swiftie sides and extensive knowledge of her discography.—
Lex Goldstein,
PEOPLE,
19 Oct. 2025
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Three stops into The Boy Is Mine Tour this week, fans of Brandy Norwood and Monica were left confused by the abrupt end to Saturday’s concert.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
19 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Perplexed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perplexed. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
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