perplexed

adjective

per·​plexed pər-ˈplekst 

1

: filled with uncertainty : puzzled

2

: full of difficulty

perplexedly

pər-ˈplek-səd-lē  -ˈplekst-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• baffled
• confounded
• hard put
• hard-pressed
• nonplussed
• nonplused

Examples of perplexed in a Sentence

He gave her a perplexed look.

The explanation left me thoroughly perplexed.

Recent Examples on the Web

There were the various teachers taking attendance at the top of class, pausing with palpable discomfort when landing on my foreign name, perplexed and unsure how to proceed. —Mekita Rivas, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2024

The footage shows perplexed night shift officers quickly realizing the gravity of the collapse in front of them as a Maryland Transportation Authority Police officer explains the basics: A cargo ship lost power and hit the bridge and a construction crew was missing. —Dan Belson, Baltimore Sun, 1 Aug. 2024

While Eaton thrived in Tokyo, Huston looked perplexed, struggling to seventh. —Les Carpenter, Washington Post, 29 July 2024

Johansson appeared slightly perplexed but that quickly turned to a delightful smile when a video of Goldblum was played on air. —Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1