1
as in complicates
to make complex or difficult
let's not perplex the issue further with irrelevant concerns
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in bewilders
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
the question perplexed me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of perplexes
But the unknown in that equation is what perplexes the Mavericks and has the team stuck for now.
—
Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News, 1 Jan. 2026
Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News, 1 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplexes
Verb
-
Some assistance comes from sportsbooks and casinos themselves, though this complicates certain priorities.—
Jasper Craven,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
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Whether that expertise strengthens or complicates monetary policy will depend less on his market savvy than on his ability to preserve the Fed’s institutional discipline and independence at a time of heightened scrutiny.—
Garth Friesen,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Nandi is experiencing severe insomnia, tremors and psychosis, and her quickly deteriorating condition bewilders the emergency room staff.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
21 Oct. 2025
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The designs were puckish and gender-bending, evoking both awe and repulsion—the sort of clothing that titillates lovers of conceptual fashion and bewilders the uninitiated.—
Ana Karina Zatarain,
New Yorker,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Maia and her boyfriend Dylan (Josh Hustcherson) are on the outs after Maia completely embarrasses herself at Dylan’s game night with his co-workers.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
21 Dec. 2025
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There, the father of the bride gets too drunk and embarrasses himself.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Where the Roma obscured the line between a classic grand tourer and a sports car with supercar tendencies, the Amalfi confuses things further.—
Jonny Lieberman,
Robb Report,
17 Jan. 2026
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So everyone confuses literal with figurative; literally, who cares?—
Hillary Busis,
Vanity Fair,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Place baffles at the eaves to maintain a clear path for the airflow from the soffit vents.—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
12 Dec. 2025
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Given his extensive wilderness experience, Pachak’s disappearance baffles those closest to him.—
Madison Dapcevich,
Outside,
5 Dec. 2025
Verb
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While everyone else puzzles it over, Coe is already on his way to the multi-faith ceremony at Abbotsfield, where Mayor Jaffrey is joining other mourners to honor the 11 people killed in the assault that opened the season.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Perplexes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perplexes. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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