as in baffling
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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
Joy Williams, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
In a whirlwind year for the organization, his slump was one of the more perplexing developments.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 18 Oct. 2025
Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 2 Nov. 2025
Tutu Atwell’s role is perplexing Every fan base has some trademark bits.
—Nate Atkins, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplexing
Adjective
The sheriff’s office was called, and initially the deaths were deemed suspicious, though the situation seemed more perplexing than criminal.
—Joy Williams, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
In a whirlwind year for the organization, his slump was one of the more perplexing developments.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
But as the fearsome storm unfolded, perplexing science questions emerged, said Joshua Wadler, an associate scientist at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach who was aboard the flights on Kermit with Hazelton.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 2 Nov. 2025
Tutu Atwell’s role is perplexing Every fan base has some trademark bits.
—Nate Atkins, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplexing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplexing
Adjective
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The fact no one has picked up this exceptional docu from director David Kittredge is baffling, leading me to think somehow it is cursed, much the same way the original Exorcist was thought to be while in production.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
31 Oct. 2025
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There are several baffling visual motifs, like Jonah’s insistence on wearing the tightest possible shirt in which to teach high-school English or Miller’s ever-flexing jaw muscle.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Elhawary acknowledged the billionaire tax proposal is a complicating factor in discussions about taxes, which is already a politically fraught issue.—
Nicole Nixon,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
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Partnerships between public and private entities that were forged during the early days continue to support the event, but as with any public gathering, challenges from the outside were complicating their plans.—
John Wenzel,
Denver Post,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Some people say puzzling offers more than simple entertainment.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
3 Jan. 2026
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But the decision to leave Robertson at home is a puzzling one that has enraged both Stars fans and hockey fans across the country.—
Lia Assimakopoulos,
Dallas Morning News,
2 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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While airline miles are easier to earn than ever, using them well—and maximizing their value—can often feel confusing.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
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Choose decisive steps over a confusing kerfuffle!—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The report reiterated concerns about seven situations, two of which have been on the list since 2007, including the bureaucracy’s chronic inability to successfully employ information technology — embarrassing for a state that is the global center for digital tools.—
Dan Walters,
Oc Register,
8 Jan. 2026
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An ever-growing pile of embarrassing legislative audits consistently reveals the persistent challenge the governor has with recruiting and retaining leaders with executive acumen.—
Torrey Snow,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Jan. 2026
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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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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But the thinking behind the category itself remains muddled, and the rollout hasn’t helped.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
25 Nov. 2025
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But his box office track record is a bit mixed and muddled.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
24 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Perplexing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perplexing. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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