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
Air Mail, 29 Mar. 2025
Despite this return, her limited appearances on WWE television, consisting of only two matches, have left fans perplexed and curious about her current status.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
LaCroix shared a series of Instagram posts announcing the launch, and the reception has been, well, a little perplexed.
—Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Feb. 2025
Fans were a bit perplexed in the comments of the video.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplexed
Adjective
Jacob Bernstein joins us to discuss the story that has riveted—and perplexed—Hollywood.
—Air Mail, 29 Mar. 2025
Despite this return, her limited appearances on WWE television, consisting of only two matches, have left fans perplexed and curious about her current status.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
LaCroix shared a series of Instagram posts announcing the launch, and the reception has been, well, a little perplexed.
—Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Feb. 2025
Fans were a bit perplexed in the comments of the video.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplexed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplexed
Adjective
-
Chasing perfection this offseason required Webb to tweak the pitch that, ironically, most baffled hitters.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
26 Mar. 2025
-
Surrounding the headliners are grumpy arena security, who spend the night wearing baffled expressions watching a sea of adults cheer and laugh and applaud over imaginary characters engaged in battles no one can actually see, and rolls of acrylic dice just 16 millimeters in size.—
Eric Francisco,
Rolling Stone,
1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Apart from the odd bewildered tourist or local going about their day, the vast majority of people in the carriage were heading to what most regarded as a ‘must-win’ match at home to Everton and the vibe, like the team’s results in 2025, was mixed.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
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Every lap felt like a mind-numbing carousel ride through car exhaust and past bewildered pedestrians, while inhaling burrito-scented air.—
Marley Dickinson,
Outside Online,
17 Apr. 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
-
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 9 May. 2025.
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