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
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Recent Examples of perplex
For years, astronomers have been perplexed by this particular supermassive black hole, a behemoth as large as a million suns in a distant galaxy.
—
Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2025
That perplexes longtime industry researchers such as Ed Altman, a professor emeritus at New York University’s Stern School of Business.
—Rob Copeland, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024
Late last year, Home Alone director Chris Columbus weighed in on a question that had perplexed viewers of the iconic 1990 film for decades: just what did the McCallisters do for work in order to afford that house?
—Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025
Some users on TikTok were perplexed and unaware of the blunder, while others could relate to the poster's frustration.
—Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplex
Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2025
That perplexes longtime industry researchers such as Ed Altman, a professor emeritus at New York University’s Stern School of Business.
—Rob Copeland, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024
Late last year, Home Alone director Chris Columbus weighed in on a question that had perplexed viewers of the iconic 1990 film for decades: just what did the McCallisters do for work in order to afford that house?
—Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025
Some users on TikTok were perplexed and unaware of the blunder, while others could relate to the poster's frustration.
—Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplex
Verb
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That’s the one thing that could get complicated, at least from a hitter’s perspective.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Mar. 2025
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Figuring out the best time to apply can be complicated.—
Liz Weston,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Unenlightened of the brownie’s incredible taste, I was bewildered by the perfect combination of these three types of chocolate.—
Mia Leimkuhler,
New York Times,
22 Feb. 2025
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The appeal bewilders attorneys for the 300,000 plaintiffs who each missed out on $3,000 when DeWine cut off the benefits in June 2021 — 10 weeks before they were set to expire.—
Sam Allard,
Axios,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Over the past few months, Bob Dylan has been baffling fans with surreal posts on his official social media platforms.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
27 Feb. 2025
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That reluctance baffles Pérez and her colleague, Deputy Public Defender Amy Tao.—
CalMatters,
The Mercury News,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
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And the All-Star game embarrassed everyone who has ever picked up a basketball.—
Troy Renck,
The Denver Post,
1 Mar. 2025
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Callers are encouraged to share details that range from embarrassing to criminal.—
Oline H. Cogdill,
Sun Sentinel,
26 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Not to be confused with New Zealand musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
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Along those lines, a settlement should not be confused with a collective bargaining agreement, which pro teams and unionized employees extinguish or mollify a broader range of potential claims.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Some of Andromeda's dwarf galaxies are particularly puzzling, though.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
28 Feb. 2025
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What remained especially puzzling throughout the ordeal was the Laundrie family’s lack of cooperation.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Perplex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perplex. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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