perplexed 1 of 2

adjective

pər-ˈplekst How to pronounce perplexed (audio)
Definition of perplexednext
as in baffled
faced with difficulty or uncertainty about what to say, think, or do the convoluted instructions for calibrating a high-definition television will leave many consumers utterly perplexed

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

perplexed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of perplex
1
as in complicated
to make complex or difficult let's not perplex the issue further with irrelevant concerns

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in puzzled
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty the question perplexed me

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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 perplexed
Adjective
At the time, 95% of the folks working at our theater were either perplexed or disdainful of this project. — Kelly Leonard, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Olivia stops at an exhibit depicting two Minions, James and Henry (all the Minions are voiced by Coffin), and is perplexed when no one present appears to have heard of them, at least by name. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 29 June 2026
Verb
Many are perplexed by the decision to partner with Target given the boycott taking place due to the company’s rollback of DEI initiatives. — Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 Aryna Sabalenka being asked to dance after defeating Naomi Osaka in the French Open has one former American tennis star perplexed. — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for perplexed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplexed
  1. baffled
  2. complicated
  3. puzzled
  4. bewildered
  5. embarrassed
  6. confused
  7. nonplussed
Adjective
  • What baffled Russell was the difference in straight-line speed.
    — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • The cat’s baffled loss takes center stage while the human mourner remains on the sidelines.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 July 2026
Definition of baffled
Verb
  • That was complicated by the fact that the tests are taken near the end of the school year.
    — Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026
  • However, the Middle East conflict has complicated this capacity assessment.
    — , CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of complicated
Verb
  • Tempo coach Sandy Brondello seemed puzzled by the absence of violet.
    — Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Analysts were puzzled by both the news itself, as well as the timing of it.
    — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of puzzled
Adjective
  • One bewildered South African man said protesters had burst into his home and stolen the lunch from his plate.
    — Julie Bourdin, Christian Science Monitor, 28 July 2026
  • In a little corner of my mind, however, history will always mean the tragic smashing of individual lives by its cruel hands and the scattering of bewildered people reeling from its blows.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 July 2026
Definition of bewildered
Verb
  • One month later, Europe embarrassed the United States on American soil at the Ryder Cup.
    — Dan Zaksheske, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2026
  • The suitors embarrassed themselves one by one, until Antinous demanded Penelope simply choose the best of them.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 18 July 2026
Definition of embarrassed
Verb
  • Fujimoto, whose great-great-grandparents helped found Chinatown generations ago, said he is confused by the hold-up.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • It’s labeled in their inventory so it’s not confused for an original, but adds their own touch to their trove.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of confused
Adjective
  • Swinging away with the top button on his Cardinals jersey undone, the 24-year-old Walker seemed nonplussed by the jeers and the massive stage during All-Star Game festivities.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 14 July 2026
  • Swinging away with the top button on his Cardinals jersey undone, the 24-year-old Walker seemed nonplussed by the jeers and the massive stage during All-Star festivities.
    — Dan Gelston, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
Definition of nonplussed

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Cite this Entry

“Perplexed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perplexed. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on perplexed

Nglish: Translation of perplexed for Spanish Speakers

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