as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty
seeing her perplexity, the teacher stepped in with a helpful hint
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 perplexity
The performances, too, are more likenesses than full characterizations, which, admittedly, is wholly in keeping with the perplexities being dramatized.
—
Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2024
Gratitude isn’t obviously a concept capable of generating such perplexities.
—Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 26 Nov. 2024
The performances, too, are more likenesses than full characterizations, which, admittedly, is wholly in keeping with the perplexities being dramatized.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2024
And that perplexity surrounding coverage may get more complicated.
—Kff Health News, The Mercury News, 17 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for perplexity
Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2024
Gratitude isn’t obviously a concept capable of generating such perplexities.
—Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 26 Nov. 2024
The performances, too, are more likenesses than full characterizations, which, admittedly, is wholly in keeping with the perplexities being dramatized.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2024
And that perplexity surrounding coverage may get more complicated.
—Kff Health News, The Mercury News, 17 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for perplexity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplexity
Noun
-
Officers making contact with Hyatt noted an odor of intoxicants, staggering gait, confusion and illogical, untruthful responses to questions, according to the motion.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
18 Aug. 2025
-
The comments section of the video was filled with stories of canine confusion and even panic.—
Maria Morava,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Zero visibility strategy: In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, initiate your hazard lights and locate a secure spot, such as a nearby business parking area, to pull over and come to a halt.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Aug. 2025
-
The clarity provided by such a statement can break through the fog of mistrust between Israelis and Palestinians and allow both to imagine a future worth striving for.—
Ami Ayalon,
Foreign Affairs,
5 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Perplexity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perplexity. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share