as in baffling
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Recent Examples of perplexing
Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 28 May 2025
Even more perplexing: If shutting off service to new customers without an account is their strict policy, why wait until Friday to execute it?
—Ryan Minton, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Part of the reason structures like the Hercules–Corona Borealis Great Wall are so perplexing to scientists has to do with the cosmological principle, which most models of the cosmos are founded upon.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 20 Apr. 2025
There is sympathy for the club, having lost their head coach and their best player in the summer post-promotion, and bewilderment at two perplexing subsequent managerial hires.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplexing
Adjective
What’s even more perplexing is that the brothers booked plane tickets to Boston for March 7, the day before they were found dead.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 28 May 2025
Even more perplexing: If shutting off service to new customers without an account is their strict policy, why wait until Friday to execute it?
—Ryan Minton, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Part of the reason structures like the Hercules–Corona Borealis Great Wall are so perplexing to scientists has to do with the cosmological principle, which most models of the cosmos are founded upon.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 20 Apr. 2025
There is sympathy for the club, having lost their head coach and their best player in the summer post-promotion, and bewilderment at two perplexing subsequent managerial hires.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplexing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplexing
Adjective
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The claim that chess is a form of gambling was baffling, according to every chess player NPR spoke to, including Herat resident Jarallah Badghisi.—
Diaa Hadid,
NPR,
17 June 2025
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Some baffling decisions were made that fundamentally alter not only her characterization and arc, but the very nature of the story itself.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
29 May 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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What’s more frustrating is that neither of the bracket’s two best overall performers will be proceeding on to the semifinals, and in hindsight, one of them — Acid Betty — really wasn’t given a chance.—
Chris Feil,
Vulture,
27 June 2025
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The most frustrating character on The Bear continues to be Claire (Molly Gordon), whose on-screen role in Season 3 was limited, but whose importance even as an unseen force has grown and grown.—
Linda Holmes,
NPR,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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Then two things happened that have come to define the most bewildering season in the proud history of the six-time MLS champions.—
Mark Zeigler,
Chicago Tribune,
25 May 2025
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This is bewildering to Nick, who has questions about openness, fluidity and relationship labels.—
Jennifer Vineyard,
Flow Space,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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What To Know The NWS National Hurricane Center (NHC) said on Monday morning that satellite imagery showed disorganized showers and thunderstorms positioned east of an area of low pressure, roughly 600 miles east of Bermuda.—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 June 2025
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Among these, schizophrenia, a complex mental health condition marked by hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, stands out.—
William A. Haseltine,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2025
Adjective
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Despite decades of existence, Jack in the Box’s sales remain stagnant, its strategy appears confused, and investors are becoming increasingly uneasy.—
Jim Osman,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2025
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After social media backlash, including a confused reaction from Dr. Dre and legendary B-Boy Crazy Legs, the 37-year-old issued an apology to the breaking community.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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Chaos Gardens Can Attract Pests and Diseases A dense, unorganized garden can restrict airflow and trap humidity, creating perfect conditions for fungal diseases.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 May 2025
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Digital clutter— unread emails, countless open tabs, and thousands of unorganized photos—can feel like a burden and actually hinder your productivity and focus.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 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 30 Jun. 2025.
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