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
Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2025
That’s why families like the Skarphols say they were perplexed when the deductions began.
—Jacob Orledge, ProPublica, 4 Aug. 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
Scientists are generally perplexed why Earth’s rotation on its axis is gaining speed on certain days.
—Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2025
That’s why families like the Skarphols say they were perplexed when the deductions began.
—Jacob Orledge, ProPublica, 4 Aug. 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
-
Mom asked, completely baffled now.—
Lizz Schumer,
PEOPLE,
2 Oct. 2025
-
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
-
While tackling global challenges is complicated, what individuals can do is relatively straightforward, like reducing meat consumption without eliminating it altogether.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
3 Oct. 2025
-
According to Young, the offer was complicated by the fact that Carey is only four years older than Eminem.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The supermodel and businesswoman, 51, has puzzled followers with frenzied TikToks about her dreams to serve Hot Ice Cream at her Australian ice cream shop, SMiZE and Dream.—
Sabrina Weiss,
PEOPLE,
7 Oct. 2025
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Reports surfaced claiming that WWE was puzzled by such a low grade, followed by rumors that the company pushed to have Hale fired from his position at ESPN.—
Fernando Quiles Jr,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
Hair disheveled, a dazed and bewildered look in his eyes, the coach trudged into his own dressing room to regroup and get a rundown of a growing list of injuries.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
Lethargic and confused in their play.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
-
Oxygen bleach soaks—Oxygen bleach (not to be confused with chlorine bleach) is a gentle yet powerful whitening agent.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
4 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Perplexed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perplexed. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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