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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of perplexing
Zhixin Wang, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025
Every trade deadline is a perplexing adventure.
—Levi Weaver, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Nate Atkins, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Taylor is accustomed to playing forceful characters who have perplexing emotions about motherhood, and in A Thousand and One, Taylor earned her stripes as a performer and acclaim.
—Essence, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplexing
Verb
Quantum mechanics was originally formulated to explain and predict the perplexing behaviors of atoms, molecules and subatomic particles.
—Zhixin Wang, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025
Every trade deadline is a perplexing adventure.
—Levi Weaver, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Tutu Atwell’s role is perplexing Every fan base has some trademark bits.
—Nate Atkins, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Taylor is accustomed to playing forceful characters who have perplexing emotions about motherhood, and in A Thousand and One, Taylor earned her stripes as a performer and acclaim.
—Essence, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplexing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplexing
Verb
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Comcast has expressed interest in acquiring all or part of Warner, Semafor can confirm, complicating life for both David Zaslav and Paramount, which has lost its head start in the bidding.—
Rohan Goswami,
semafor.com,
21 Oct. 2025
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Other lawsuits also are complicating decision-making.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Gen Alpha’s latest viral catchphrase is baffling adults and delighting kids across the country.—
Kimberly Richardson,
CNN Money,
21 Oct. 2025
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But the immediacy around these conversations about the Titans are baffling to me.—
Nick Suss,
Nashville Tennessean,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The second flare is even more puzzling.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
16 Oct. 2025
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Staffers spent the weekend trading calls and texts, trying to piece together who had been axed, who had been spared, and, most puzzling, why.—
Tom Bartlett,
The Atlantic,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
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For French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, the heist spotlights embarrassing security failings at one of France’s most venerable institutions.—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
21 Oct. 2025
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The New York Mets fell short of the postseason in embarrassing fashion last season, so this offseason is going to be more important than ever.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
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And aren’t our real-life romantic complications bewildering enough?—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
4 Sep. 2025
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Its ginormous investments in higher-value, tech-heavy sectors from smartphones to autos to semiconductors to biotechnology are disrupting the global landscape at bewildering speed.—
William Pesek,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Even after his plea deal and his admission of guilt, Ozer was allegedly telling confusing and conflicting stories about the cause of his problems.—
Steve Belanger,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Oct. 2025
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The issue came up on Thursday's live episode after the Oscar-winning Ghost star introduced a Hot Topic about Democratic Maine politician Graham Platner's problematic past — which segued into a confusing admission by the 69-year-old Hollywood legend.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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What is the most confounding and terrible, however, is Gretchen’s assertion that Slade, the anti-Viagra, doesn’t get involved with the women on his own accord, but only engages because the women always talk about him.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
10 Oct. 2025
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The offense’s struggles are the most confounding.—
Zach Berman,
New York Times,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Ryan argues that Cooper’s decision to operate the camera himself (with Matthew Libatique serving as DP) leads to some directorial self-indulgence that makes for a frustrating, muddled experience that could’ve used more editorial discipline.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
17 Oct. 2025
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The muddled sound, uncharacteristic for this venue, didn’t help matters.—
Ross Raihala,
Twin Cities,
11 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Perplexing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perplexing. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
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