perplexing 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of perplexingnext
as in baffling

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perplexing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of perplex
1
as in complicating
to make complex or difficult let's not perplex the issue further with irrelevant concerns

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in puzzling
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty the question perplexed me

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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 perplexing
Adjective
Director Darren Aronofsky’s chilly mind-bender is mesmerizing, terrifying and perplexing in equal measure. — David Faris, TheWeek, 14 Sep. 2026 The messages, which NPR has obtained and authenticated, are perplexing. — NPR, 10 Sep. 2026
Verb
That’s perplexing to Alvarez and Oakley, given that Cal State tuition is still relatively low, despite recent annual tuition hikes. — Cal Matters, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2026 The disjunction between the abstract composition and the notion of self-portraiture appeared perplexing in its own right; its inoperability only exacerbated the viewer’s frustration and redoubled the artist’s impish provocation. — Ara H. Merjian, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perplexing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplexing
  1. baffling
  2. complicating
  3. puzzling
  4. confusing
  5. embarrassing
  6. bewildering
  7. confounding
  8. muddled
Adjective
  • For a movie that had once been generating top Oscar buzz, including a potential first win for Cruise, it has since been hit with critiques that have described it as baffling, brilliant or just plain bad.
    — David Mack, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Technology can mitigate noise by using acoustic baffling, bigger fans and applying variable frequency drives.
    — Kevin Brown, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of baffling
Verb
  • But there are complicating factors that are stymying that growth, and they are tied in large part to imports.
    — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Mortgage rates just hit the highest level since 2023, further complicating the economic picture as inflation remains high and investors grow increasingly concerned about the federal government’s fiscal footing.
    — Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of complicating
Verb
  • Overrun with puzzling plot points, several cameos and a bloated supporting cast, the series fails to stick the landing.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Around the Street -The financial press is doing an admirable job of puzzling through the confluence of causes of the brutal global bond-market rout, without pretending to arrive at a discrete cause.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of puzzling
Adjective
  • Letting go of genre might sound confusing when the album’s named Popstar, but to Tinashe, a pop star is so much more than a genre label.
    — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026
  • In recent years, homeowners, developers and businesses have complained that navigating the Planning Department can be complicating and confusing.
    — Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of confusing
Verb
  • But the Yanks are hot after embarrassing Boston with 9-0 and 9-2 victories in the Wild Card round.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Things escalate as the two share a car ride home from a fancy gala and the bad man yells at her for embarrassing him.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of embarrassing
Verb
  • The threats are constantly evolving, layering upon themselves with bewildering speed.
    — Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • But these casting decisions are bewildering, to say the least, and will certainly cost the film ticket sales and potential revenue.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of bewildering
Adjective
  • Its study of dark matter and dark energy could also give scientists new insights into two of the most confounding puzzles in astronomy.
    — Denise Chow, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Grief is one of the most confounding aspects of the human experience.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026
Definition of confounding
Adjective
  • Made with gin, Campari, lemon, simple syrup, and muddled white grapes, it was created in 2001 by Vincenzo Errico in London.
    — Amy Cavanaugh, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Garfield, sensitive and earthy, is our bellwether as the events descend into bloody carnage dictated by muddled agendas.
    — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of muddled

Browse Nearby Words

perplexes
perplexing
perplexities
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Cite this Entry

“Perplexing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perplexing. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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