1
as in complicating
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 puzzling
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
the question perplexed me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in baffling
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of perplexing
Leila Sloman, Wired News, 29 June 2025
The perplexing baby-snatchings, reported in the journal Current Biology, suggest that humans aren't the only intelligent species with youngsters that pursue apparently pointless activities that can be destructive to other creatures.
—Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 19 May 2025
After a perplexing dream, Geron embarks on a quest to connect with his musically inclined son, Anthony, in hopes of creating music ice cream lovers–and the world—will love.
—Devonne Goode, Parents, 10 July 2025
Riverside’s dissing of juries is even more perplexing given that California conviction rates in criminal cases top 60%.
—Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplexing
Verb
The simplest ideas in mathematics can also be the most perplexing.
—Leila Sloman, Wired News, 29 June 2025
The perplexing baby-snatchings, reported in the journal Current Biology, suggest that humans aren't the only intelligent species with youngsters that pursue apparently pointless activities that can be destructive to other creatures.
—Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 19 May 2025
After a perplexing dream, Geron embarks on a quest to connect with his musically inclined son, Anthony, in hopes of creating music ice cream lovers–and the world—will love.
—Devonne Goode, Parents, 10 July 2025
Riverside’s dissing of juries is even more perplexing given that California conviction rates in criminal cases top 60%.
—Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplexing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplexing
Adjective
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What makes this reversal not just baffling but dangerous is its context.—
Lynn Northcutt Vega,
Sun Sentinel,
29 July 2025
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Here’s the most baffling part of the Republican budget bill, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) writes in an op-ed for The Washington Post.—
Kristina Karisch,
The Hill,
22 July 2025
Verb
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Researchers are particularly focused on unraveling the puzzling interplay between gas content, magma pressure and lava flow dynamics.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
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Almost two years into his ordeal, Gould learned of an initiative at the National Institutes of Health that focuses on solving the country’s most puzzling medical cases.—
Jason Liebowitz,
The Atlantic,
2 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Any company found to be frustrating the cancellation process could face significant fines—perhaps more than $50,000 per violation.—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
31 July 2025
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According to the survey, 58% of Texas Rangers fans have left games early due to frustrating wait times, good for third among all 30 MLB fan bases.—
Alyssa Cooper,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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Much better to look forward with fresh hope to the next chapter of a bewildering career.—
Liam Twomey,
New York Times,
2 Aug. 2025
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These employees performed a wide range of jobs, from safeguarding students' civil rights to helping borrowers navigate a bewildering federal student loan system.—
Cory Turner,
NPR,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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What To Know According to the NHC, the disturbance is identifiable as a tropical wave carrying clusters of disorganized showers and thunderstorms in the open Atlantic.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 July 2025
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There’s a saying that an organized lie is stronger than the disorganized truth.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
17 June 2025
Adjective
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The moment of truth arrived when Adams FaceTimed Phillips— initially confused and skeptical about her whereabouts.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
25 July 2025
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Ferguson said teammates are more confused than upset.—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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These are often signs that the company is unorganized, unclear on its hiring process, or not fully aligned internally.—
Adunola Adeshola,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
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Bathrooms that appear messy or unorganized often have products in them that don't belong in a bathroom.—
Abigail Wilt,
Southern Living,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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The cells have an ugly, disordered appearance under a microscope.—
Adam B. Kushner,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
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In more severe cases, this ongoing pattern may erode a parent’s relationship with food, leading to emotional or disordered eating that feels increasingly difficult to name, let alone break.—
Christine Michel Carter,
Parents,
20 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Perplexing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perplexing. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.
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