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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of perplexed
Jacob Orledge, ProPublica, 4 Aug. 2025
Cuvala describes herself as feeling perplexed by the recent direction of the board.
—ArsTechnica, 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
That’s why families like the Skarphols say they were perplexed when the deductions began.
—Jacob Orledge, ProPublica, 4 Aug. 2025
Cuvala describes herself as feeling perplexed by the recent direction of the board.
—ArsTechnica, 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
-
And my parents are even baffled.—
McKinley Franklin,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Aug. 2025
-
Naturally, Owens made an appointment with her dentist, who was just as baffled.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Although life in the Dorfs is simple, the desserts at communal meals can get complicated, and are always evolving in accordance with tastes, morals, and budgetary concerns.—
Hannah Gold,
New Yorker,
29 Aug. 2025
-
Now that the future has arrived, gadgets and tech designed to make your house more comfortable aren’t all that complicated.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
But at seven weeks, doctors were already puzzled.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Aug. 2025
-
Bill Gross, then-head of Pimco and a true bond market expert, was just as puzzled.—
George Calhoun,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
No decision was made without Landy’s approval, leaving Mason bewildered and frustrated.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
17 Aug. 2025
-
Olivia, bewildered and frightened, runs to the vast body of Tierra del Fuego to look for him.—
Jason Liwag,
Variety,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Writers hate to be embarrassed by their own ignorance.—
Zach Helfand,
New Yorker,
25 Aug. 2025
-
Smith, a compliment to Demary like Hassan Diarra was to Newton, hasn’t let Hurley forget about the final game of last year’s Maui Invitational, when the Flyers embarrassed the Huskies, 85-67.—
Joe Arruda,
Hartford Courant,
11 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Leadership upheaval has inevitably confused the Athleta brand and after being a star while its parent floundered, two years into Dickson’s tenure the tables have turned.—
Mark Faithfull,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
-
But they should not be confused with pharmaceutical treatments.—
Adam Hurly,
Robb Report,
28 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Perplexed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perplexed. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share