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
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2
as in puzzling
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
the question perplexed me
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Recent Examples of perplexing
Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2026
Of those lowlights, Chapman’s failed attempt to steal second base was especially perplexing given his reputation as an excellent baserunner.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2026
Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for perplexing
Adjective
But as the adorable pair get acclimated to life in the nest, they've been observed doing some perplexing – perhaps even seemingly concerning – behavior.
—Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2026
Of those lowlights, Chapman’s failed attempt to steal second base was especially perplexing given his reputation as an excellent baserunner.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
Even more than the finished show, this eerie, perplexing multi-Gaga spectacle feels like a glimpse into her subconscious.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for perplexing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplexing
Adjective
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The sound was awe-inspiring, with the engine literally just behind your ears and not much baffling by today’s standards.—
James Morris,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
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The map errors are a little bit baffling to me; wouldn’t Dev have shared up-to-date maps/building plans with M-6 Command?—
Sophie Brookover,
Vulture,
22 May 2026
Verb
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But as is often the case in pro sports, arbitration, the private dispute resolution method, is a complicating factor.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
26 May 2026
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State media also reported that blueprints provided by the mine did not match the site’s actual layout, complicating rescue operations, the outlet added.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
25 May 2026
Verb
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Johnson insists that feels fine, so the loss of velocity is puzzling to the Angels.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
18 May 2026
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The Boeing order is especially puzzling as China is rolling out its indigenous C919 passenger aircraft with great fanfare.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
15 May 2026
Adjective
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Grief is complex and, often, confusing.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2026
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But trying to gather bank statements, review tax transcripts and fill out forms can be time-consuming, confusing and stressful.—
John Csiszar,
CNBC,
22 May 2026
Verb
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To be sweating on the results of others and nervously looking over their shoulder — and from fifth place — at this stage of a season is embarrassing enough for Liverpool.—
Gregg Evans,
New York Times,
20 May 2026
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Lutnick's voluntary closed-door interview comes amid a monthslong procession of powerful people summoned before the committee, many of whom have been subjected to embarrassing revelations in the more than 3 million pages of records known as the Epstein files.—
Graham Kates,
CBS News,
6 May 2026
Verb
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But even more than engaging the big ideas that Emma’s revelation triggers — pun somewhat intended — Lee and Borli wanted to craft an experience that would mimic its main characters’ bewildering interiority.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
6 Apr. 2026
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There aren’t many ways to earn a club’s first win better than bewildering the league’s defending champions at their place.—
Braidon Nourse,
Denver Post,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Grief is one of the most confounding aspects of the human experience.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
17 Apr. 2026
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In 2021, one year into D’Amaro’s tenure and following COVID shutdowns, Disney did away with FastPass and introduced a confounding and very costly series of pay-to-skip passes, which require timing advanced booking of limited slots in these formerly free-to-enter shorter lines.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Having stabilised as mid-table regulars, this was an opportunity to capitalise on a muddled middle of the table.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
26 May 2026
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The end result on those possessions is a muddled mess, which leads to bad shots or live ball turnovers, which lead to easy points going the other way.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Perplexing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perplexing. Accessed 28 May. 2026.
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