1
as in to complicate
to make complex or difficult
let's not perplex the issue further with irrelevant concerns
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to bewilder
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
the question perplexed me
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 perplex
The stock comeback of the last two months has perplexed many investors, who remain befuddled by the market's insistence to look past conflict, tariffs and major challenges to the economic outlook, to make short work of recovering losses from their April lows.
—
Sarah Min, CNBC, 20 June 2025
That wasn't enough to heal Carol's injury, however, leaving her owner perplexed about how to help the pup.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
The randomness of his attacks and methods left authorities perplexed — and allowed Ramirez to escape capture for more than a year.
—Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 7 June 2025
With appetites for true crime documentaries seemingly insatiable, some viewers will be perplexed and even frustrated at how the directors don’t want to play investigative reporter or detective.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplex
Sarah Min, CNBC, 20 June 2025
That wasn't enough to heal Carol's injury, however, leaving her owner perplexed about how to help the pup.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
The randomness of his attacks and methods left authorities perplexed — and allowed Ramirez to escape capture for more than a year.
—Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 7 June 2025
With appetites for true crime documentaries seemingly insatiable, some viewers will be perplexed and even frustrated at how the directors don’t want to play investigative reporter or detective.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplex
Verb
-
The case presents a unique test of NIL outside the college sports landscape and in a setting where a player contract and collective bargaining agreements complicate the situation.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
7 July 2025
-
This exhaustive scientific work is complicated by ongoing legal and ethical concerns.—
Jordan Runtagh,
People.com,
6 July 2025
Verb
-
Lynskey says she’s been bewildered by the fans who’ve directed online vitriol at Shauna this season, while seemingly forgiving the sins of Shauna’s husband Jeff (Warren Cole) and the heinous crimes committed by Misty (Christina Ricci).—
Todd Longwell,
Variety,
2 June 2025
-
Both were bewildered by this fashion design travesty.—
Sherry Kuehl,
Kansas City Star,
13 May 2025
Verb
-
Money terms and concepts continue to baffle people, many of whom are seeking answers through online searches.—
Russ Wiles,
USA Today,
12 July 2025
-
Even with the other guys' admonitions not to, under any circumstances, be themselves, Dee and Charlie's improbable success in charming these scions of the Philly upper crust had the guys — and us — both baffled and anxiously awaiting an ugly twist.—
Dennis Perkins,
EW.com,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
SoCal embarrassed the Jekyll & Hyde Utah team, who were flying how but who lose easily to the near-last place Hard Eights for their only win of the weekend.—
Todd Boss,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
-
Such an attack might embarrass Trump and spur him to make good on his threat in his address to the nation on Saturday evening to respond to Iran with even greater force.—
Uri Friedman,
The Atlantic,
23 June 2025
Verb
-
Amazon $650 Samsung $650 Best Buy Not to be confused with the Galaxy S24 series, this midrange smartphone from late 2024 has some elements of the flagship phone, but makes some sacrifices to get the price down.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
11 July 2025
-
Hence, Nicole left the party, despondent at having been rejected and confused at the cold reception.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
The first set was particularly puzzling, with de Minaur breaking Djokovic’s serve three times to take a one-set lead in the match.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
7 July 2025
-
Dutch Freiberger told The Republic at the time that he was puzzled by how his son could have walked to the quarry completely nude.—
Jose R. Gonzalez,
AZCentral.com,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Perplex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perplex. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share