1
as in complicating
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 puzzling
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
the question perplexed me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in baffling
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of perplexing
Leila Sloman, Wired News, 29 June 2025
The perplexing baby-snatchings, reported in the journal Current Biology, suggest that humans aren't the only intelligent species with youngsters that pursue apparently pointless activities that can be destructive to other creatures.
—Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 19 May 2025
After a perplexing dream, Geron embarks on a quest to connect with his musically inclined son, Anthony, in hopes of creating music ice cream lovers–and the world—will love.
—Devonne Goode, Parents, 10 July 2025
Riverside’s dissing of juries is even more perplexing given that California conviction rates in criminal cases top 60%.
—Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplexing
Verb
The simplest ideas in mathematics can also be the most perplexing.
—Leila Sloman, Wired News, 29 June 2025
The perplexing baby-snatchings, reported in the journal Current Biology, suggest that humans aren't the only intelligent species with youngsters that pursue apparently pointless activities that can be destructive to other creatures.
—Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 19 May 2025
After a perplexing dream, Geron embarks on a quest to connect with his musically inclined son, Anthony, in hopes of creating music ice cream lovers–and the world—will love.
—Devonne Goode, Parents, 10 July 2025
Riverside’s dissing of juries is even more perplexing given that California conviction rates in criminal cases top 60%.
—Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplexing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplexing
Adjective
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Oh, and Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr., is playing Doctor Doom in a baffling mystery decision.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
17 July 2025
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Pros & Cons Thanks to a reversal of a baffling rebranding campaign, the Warner Bros. Discovery video streaming service is now once again called HBO Max.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
14 July 2025
Verb
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Researchers are particularly focused on unraveling the puzzling interplay between gas content, magma pressure and lava flow dynamics.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
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Almost two years into his ordeal, Gould learned of an initiative at the National Institutes of Health that focuses on solving the country’s most puzzling medical cases.—
Jason Liebowitz,
The Atlantic,
2 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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That said, diving into AI without a plan can be frustrating.—
Janet Lam,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
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The delays were frustrating, made more complicated by hospitalizations and evaluations that didn’t always address the root of what Avery was experiencing.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
21 July 2025
Adjective
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Amazon With a bewildering array of colorful smart lighting for any occasion, Govee is an affordable alternative to brands like Philips Hue.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
11 July 2025
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The number of color swatches and leather/fabric samples is bewildering.—
Tim Pitt,
Robb Report,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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The National Hurricane Center is watching some disorganized showers and thunderstorms east of the Caribbean that have slight odds of forming into a tropical cyclone, a July 19 outlook says.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
19 July 2025
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Despite its disorganized structure, the system remains a serious flood threat in a summer already marked by deadly deluges.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 July 2025
Adjective
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The moment of truth arrived when Adams FaceTimed Phillips— initially confused and skeptical about her whereabouts.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
25 July 2025
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Ferguson said teammates are more confused than upset.—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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These are often signs that the company is unorganized, unclear on its hiring process, or not fully aligned internally.—
Adunola Adeshola,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
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Bathrooms that appear messy or unorganized often have products in them that don't belong in a bathroom.—
Abigail Wilt,
Southern Living,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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The cells have an ugly, disordered appearance under a microscope.—
Adam B. Kushner,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
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In more severe cases, this ongoing pattern may erode a parent’s relationship with food, leading to emotional or disordered eating that feels increasingly difficult to name, let alone break.—
Christine Michel Carter,
Parents,
20 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Perplexing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perplexing. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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